Why do children insist on not letting you sleep? It was a BAD night, BAD, BAD, BAD, BAD,.............. I have drank two cups of Morning Thunder Herbal Tea this morning (caffeine) because I cannot make myself drink coffee unless it is flavored and all I have in the house is Folger's Special Blend (my hubby's). I also have downed two (20 oz) Dr. Pepper's that my Mom was gracious enough to go and get for me. I have none in the house, I am trying to break the habit. But my nerves were shot and I had to have something. Oh, I also had a MIGRAINE from the lack of sleep and the excessive CRYING!!!
Oh, how I love my children. Repeat this over and over as I sip my third Dr. Pepper to wash down my excedrin. I'm off to take a NAP, let's pray that I get one! (Oh, but I probably won't be able to sleep because of all the caffeine in my system!)
Julie
Friday, August 31, 2007
An Excellent Choice (The Power of a Praying Woman)
Stormie O'Martian has this to say about unforgiveness:
"I know "hate" is a very strong word, and we hate to use the word "hate: about anything. And we certainly hate the thought that we might actually have hate for another person. But that's what unforgiveness is - the root of hate. When we entertain unforgiving thoughts, they turn to hate inside of us. Jesus felt so strongly about this that He said, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him" (1 John 3:15). He also said, " Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25).
Now let's get this straight. When we don't forgive, we are considered murderers without any eternal hope who shouldn't expect God to forgive us until we have forgiven others. I'd say that if it's between forgiving and not forgiving, forgiving seems like the better choice.
When we choose not to forgive, we end up walking in the dark (1 John 2:9-11). Because we can't see clearly, we stumble around in confusion. This throws our judgement off and we make mistakes. We become weak, sick, and bitter. Other people notice all this because unforgiveness shows in the face, words, and actions of those who have it. They see it, even if they can't specifically identify what it is, and they don't feel comfortable around it. When we choose to forgive, not only do we benefit, but so do the people around us."
I just needed to have some quite time this morning and needed a little direction to my study. Sometimes my mind is going in all directions and I need to focus on something. This really hit home with me today.
Have a great day!
Love,
Julie
"I know "hate" is a very strong word, and we hate to use the word "hate: about anything. And we certainly hate the thought that we might actually have hate for another person. But that's what unforgiveness is - the root of hate. When we entertain unforgiving thoughts, they turn to hate inside of us. Jesus felt so strongly about this that He said, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him" (1 John 3:15). He also said, " Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25).
Now let's get this straight. When we don't forgive, we are considered murderers without any eternal hope who shouldn't expect God to forgive us until we have forgiven others. I'd say that if it's between forgiving and not forgiving, forgiving seems like the better choice.
When we choose not to forgive, we end up walking in the dark (1 John 2:9-11). Because we can't see clearly, we stumble around in confusion. This throws our judgement off and we make mistakes. We become weak, sick, and bitter. Other people notice all this because unforgiveness shows in the face, words, and actions of those who have it. They see it, even if they can't specifically identify what it is, and they don't feel comfortable around it. When we choose to forgive, not only do we benefit, but so do the people around us."
I just needed to have some quite time this morning and needed a little direction to my study. Sometimes my mind is going in all directions and I need to focus on something. This really hit home with me today.
Have a great day!
Love,
Julie
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful for the Lord, for my husband and my babies. I am thankful for my Dad, my Mom, my sister Tammy and my sister Crystal. I am thankful for my nieces and nephews. For my mother and father in law. For my loyal dog Boscoe. For all of the people in my life that I haven't appreciated enough lately.
I am thankful that Jesus Christ died for my sins. I am thankful that the Lord gave me Charlie for my husband, and Claire and Lily as my children. I am thankful for the children I lost because I knew them for a little while and they taught me how precious a gift children really are. I am thankful for my home and my freedom.
I know this is very simple but it is what I feel tonight.
God Bless,
Julie
I am thankful that Jesus Christ died for my sins. I am thankful that the Lord gave me Charlie for my husband, and Claire and Lily as my children. I am thankful for the children I lost because I knew them for a little while and they taught me how precious a gift children really are. I am thankful for my home and my freedom.
I know this is very simple but it is what I feel tonight.
God Bless,
Julie
Our Struggle....
*updated on November 7th, 2008.
We now have 3 children!!! Praise God!!! We were blessed with a son, Andrew Coy David Fogg on September 4th-he was yet another surprise and an even greater blessing from the Lord!!! It is true, God does answer prayer and He does immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, According to HIS power that is at work within us!!!
I read a post today that brought back a lot of painful memories. I normally don't say much about our struggle to have children because it was so painful and it is still painful to reflect on it. But, it changed me. It made me a stronger, better, more compassionate person. Looking back now, I can see that. I could not see that then. I saw everything through the haze of pain. So, I am going to share a journal entry with you. I wrote this on August 13, 2002. We had already been trying for four years. We had lost several babies.
"My body is driving me crazy. I have no idea how to fix what is wrong with me or even all the money it takes to keep going. I am so tired of being sick all of the time and I am beginning to think that I will never hold our child. I am so tired of it all, Lord. Why can't we just be normal? I can't let go of the baby thing.I cry watching movies with Mom's and Dad's, I cry going to the grocery store and seeing all of the moms and babies. Moms and babies everywhere. Why is it so hard for me and Charlie? What do I have to do to make it happen? I wish I knew. Nothing is going to make it okay. The only thing that will make it okay will be to have a child. I know I should be grateful that I have my husband and I am but it's not the same. I don't know, I don't know! I just wish that you, God would take away this awful pain. It hurts SOOO bad......"
I now have two beautiful little girls after 7 years of infertility. I have two babies, but I will never forget the pain of not being pregnant and the horrible crushing grief over the babies that I couldn't have and the babies that I lost. I know it hurts, hurts so deep you can't even describe it. I went through a time when I was very angry and even suicidal at one point, I was just so depressed. The Lord carried me through. That's all I know. He answered me when I called for Him, time and time again. That's all I know and that's all I can tell you. There are no words that will fix it, nothing will. Just hold to God's unchanging hand and he will drag you through if he has to. He had to drag me a very long ways out of a very deep and dark pit.
I hope that this helped someone. Please remember to be kind when you are talking to someone who is struggling with this. We are very sensitive and words cut deep.
Hope you have a blessed day,
Love,
Julie
We now have 3 children!!! Praise God!!! We were blessed with a son, Andrew Coy David Fogg on September 4th-he was yet another surprise and an even greater blessing from the Lord!!! It is true, God does answer prayer and He does immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, According to HIS power that is at work within us!!!
I read a post today that brought back a lot of painful memories. I normally don't say much about our struggle to have children because it was so painful and it is still painful to reflect on it. But, it changed me. It made me a stronger, better, more compassionate person. Looking back now, I can see that. I could not see that then. I saw everything through the haze of pain. So, I am going to share a journal entry with you. I wrote this on August 13, 2002. We had already been trying for four years. We had lost several babies.
"My body is driving me crazy. I have no idea how to fix what is wrong with me or even all the money it takes to keep going. I am so tired of being sick all of the time and I am beginning to think that I will never hold our child. I am so tired of it all, Lord. Why can't we just be normal? I can't let go of the baby thing.I cry watching movies with Mom's and Dad's, I cry going to the grocery store and seeing all of the moms and babies. Moms and babies everywhere. Why is it so hard for me and Charlie? What do I have to do to make it happen? I wish I knew. Nothing is going to make it okay. The only thing that will make it okay will be to have a child. I know I should be grateful that I have my husband and I am but it's not the same. I don't know, I don't know! I just wish that you, God would take away this awful pain. It hurts SOOO bad......"
I now have two beautiful little girls after 7 years of infertility. I have two babies, but I will never forget the pain of not being pregnant and the horrible crushing grief over the babies that I couldn't have and the babies that I lost. I know it hurts, hurts so deep you can't even describe it. I went through a time when I was very angry and even suicidal at one point, I was just so depressed. The Lord carried me through. That's all I know. He answered me when I called for Him, time and time again. That's all I know and that's all I can tell you. There are no words that will fix it, nothing will. Just hold to God's unchanging hand and he will drag you through if he has to. He had to drag me a very long ways out of a very deep and dark pit.
I hope that this helped someone. Please remember to be kind when you are talking to someone who is struggling with this. We are very sensitive and words cut deep.
Hope you have a blessed day,
Love,
Julie
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Prayers for a Soldier....
A friend of our family was injured today or yesterday in Iraq. I am not sure what day as of yet. We believe the injury occured when the building he was in was hit. If what I am hearing is correct, he has lost both legs. We are not really sure at this time. I will keep you posted if and when I hear more.
The wife is named Sarah and her children are Kyra and Drake. Please keep them in your prayers.
I did not know this when I posted about Vietnam. I have just had it on my mind all day. I will remove it out of respect for Sarah and her family. Please pray for them; I don't know what else to do.
*Update: He lost both legs at the hip. Sarah is flying to DC on Friday if they can get him there, if not, she will fly to Germany. Please, please pray for them. Sarah, if you are reading this, or when you read this, just know that we love you.
Julie
*Update: His name is Reas (pronounced Reece) Axtell, his wife is Sarah and his two kids are Kyra(2& 1/2) and Drake (1 & 1/2). I will try and post a mailing address later if anyone would like to send their prayers.
The wife is named Sarah and her children are Kyra and Drake. Please keep them in your prayers.
I did not know this when I posted about Vietnam. I have just had it on my mind all day. I will remove it out of respect for Sarah and her family. Please pray for them; I don't know what else to do.
*Update: He lost both legs at the hip. Sarah is flying to DC on Friday if they can get him there, if not, she will fly to Germany. Please, please pray for them. Sarah, if you are reading this, or when you read this, just know that we love you.
Julie
*Update: His name is Reas (pronounced Reece) Axtell, his wife is Sarah and his two kids are Kyra(2& 1/2) and Drake (1 & 1/2). I will try and post a mailing address later if anyone would like to send their prayers.
Recipes for my Menu Plan
*Indian Tacos (my Mom is part Cherokee and her best friend was too so I ate this A LOT growing up).
Fry Bread (what you place your taco meat, beans, etc. on top of)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
4 c. flour
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
Beat eggs and milk. Stir in flour, salt and baking powder; mix well. Pinch off a small amount, pat out flat, poke holes in it with a fork. Fry in oil until lightly brown. Drain. Put aside and keep warm.
gound beef (app. 1 lb.)
taco seasoning
salt
pepper
pinto beans
shredded lettuce
diced tomatoes
Grated cheddar or colby/jack or mexican blend cheese
Cook meat, salt and pepper and taco seasoning as if you were making regular tacos. In center of each fry bread, put 2 TSP pinto beans, taco meat sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese. Can add sour cream if you wish, not guacamole, however, it will ruin the taste. These are Indian not Mexican tacos. Serve with salsa.
Beans:
If you don't know how to cook beans, I will share my tips with you. I never presoak. I have before but I don't see any difference in the taste and it's much quicker if you just rinse in warm water. So, I rinse the beans two or three times. Place in large cooking pot. Add enough water to completely cover the beans, I like to add two or three more cups of water. Add salt, pepper and I put meat tenderizer in mine. (You can also use chili powder, garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder , just whatever suits your taste!) Cover pot with the lid slightly tilted, cook on med/high heat until beans come to a rolling boil. Turn heat down slightly and simmer for app. 2 hours. checking every 20 minutes (app) to see if the beans need water. You can not let them boil dry! That's it; they are done when tender!
*Most good southerners put bacon or salt pork in their beans when you first cover them with water. They are also good without the pork (my Dad will not eat beans with pork in them) I've had them either way, it is better with but I can live without it!
Usually a pot of beans will make us at least two meals and I use the leftovers to make burritos (refried beans) or nachos or just whatever I can add beans to! They are a great way to stretch your budget! I hope you enjoy your indian tacos! (Thanks Wilma)
Fry Bread (what you place your taco meat, beans, etc. on top of)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
4 c. flour
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
Beat eggs and milk. Stir in flour, salt and baking powder; mix well. Pinch off a small amount, pat out flat, poke holes in it with a fork. Fry in oil until lightly brown. Drain. Put aside and keep warm.
gound beef (app. 1 lb.)
taco seasoning
salt
pepper
pinto beans
shredded lettuce
diced tomatoes
Grated cheddar or colby/jack or mexican blend cheese
Cook meat, salt and pepper and taco seasoning as if you were making regular tacos. In center of each fry bread, put 2 TSP pinto beans, taco meat sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese. Can add sour cream if you wish, not guacamole, however, it will ruin the taste. These are Indian not Mexican tacos. Serve with salsa.
Beans:
If you don't know how to cook beans, I will share my tips with you. I never presoak. I have before but I don't see any difference in the taste and it's much quicker if you just rinse in warm water. So, I rinse the beans two or three times. Place in large cooking pot. Add enough water to completely cover the beans, I like to add two or three more cups of water. Add salt, pepper and I put meat tenderizer in mine. (You can also use chili powder, garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder , just whatever suits your taste!) Cover pot with the lid slightly tilted, cook on med/high heat until beans come to a rolling boil. Turn heat down slightly and simmer for app. 2 hours. checking every 20 minutes (app) to see if the beans need water. You can not let them boil dry! That's it; they are done when tender!
*Most good southerners put bacon or salt pork in their beans when you first cover them with water. They are also good without the pork (my Dad will not eat beans with pork in them) I've had them either way, it is better with but I can live without it!
Usually a pot of beans will make us at least two meals and I use the leftovers to make burritos (refried beans) or nachos or just whatever I can add beans to! They are a great way to stretch your budget! I hope you enjoy your indian tacos! (Thanks Wilma)
Menu
Here is our menu for this week, I start on Wednesday because that is when my hubby gets paid. This is going to be a week with a lot of leftovers and just using what we have because money is very tight right now. So, here it is:
Wednesday- Indian Tacos (will post recipe later), Sweet Tea
Thursday- Homemade Pizza (will post recipe later), Salad, Sweet Tea
Friday- Breakfast for supper : Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit, Sweet Tea
Saturday- Breakfast: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits Lunch: BLT's, Fruit Salad Supper: Beans & Cornbread, Fried Potatoes, Sweet Tea
Sunday:- Chicken & Dumplings, Sauteed Squash & Onions, Sweet Tea
Monday- Marinated Steaks, Twice Baked Potatoes, Salad,Sweet Tea
Tuesday- Beef Onion & Cabbage Stir-fry over Brown Rice, Sweet Tea
Wednesday- No Idea Yet
Desserts: No Bake Cookies, Cheesecake, Coconut Cream Pie
I will post some of these recipes later on today.
Have a Great Wednesday!!!
Julie
Wednesday- Indian Tacos (will post recipe later), Sweet Tea
Thursday- Homemade Pizza (will post recipe later), Salad, Sweet Tea
Friday- Breakfast for supper : Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit, Sweet Tea
Saturday- Breakfast: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits Lunch: BLT's, Fruit Salad Supper: Beans & Cornbread, Fried Potatoes, Sweet Tea
Sunday:- Chicken & Dumplings, Sauteed Squash & Onions, Sweet Tea
Monday- Marinated Steaks, Twice Baked Potatoes, Salad,Sweet Tea
Tuesday- Beef Onion & Cabbage Stir-fry over Brown Rice, Sweet Tea
Wednesday- No Idea Yet
Desserts: No Bake Cookies, Cheesecake, Coconut Cream Pie
I will post some of these recipes later on today.
Have a Great Wednesday!!!
Julie
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Happy Birthday (yesterday) to Kylie!!!
Wow, princess, I can't believe that you are 4 years old! I was thinking yesterday of when I went to the hospital to be with your Mom while you were being born! You were the sweetest little baby and you loved your Aunt Julie from the very beginning!
You are so sweet, Kylie bear but oh! you are so feisty! You know all about fashion and pretty things. You love shoes, just like me! You and Alaina and Claire and Lily are going to be something else together and poor Jason will just have to hang on! I am so glad that you girls will always have each other just like your Mom and I do. We had some good cousins, too but I don't think we were as close to any of them as you are to each other.
Grow big, Kylie girl! You need to grow big to hold your big heart!
Love you for always,
Aunt Julie, Uncle Charlie, Claire & Lily
*When you come down to see us, we will have you a birthday party!
You are so sweet, Kylie bear but oh! you are so feisty! You know all about fashion and pretty things. You love shoes, just like me! You and Alaina and Claire and Lily are going to be something else together and poor Jason will just have to hang on! I am so glad that you girls will always have each other just like your Mom and I do. We had some good cousins, too but I don't think we were as close to any of them as you are to each other.
Grow big, Kylie girl! You need to grow big to hold your big heart!
Love you for always,
Aunt Julie, Uncle Charlie, Claire & Lily
*When you come down to see us, we will have you a birthday party!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Crockpot Beef in Onion Gravy
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 TSP onion soup mix
2 TSP beef broth
1 TSP quick cooking tapioca
1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
Hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes
In a slow cooker, combine the soup, soup mix, broth, and tapioca; let stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over the noodles or mashed potatoes.
This is a very easy and very good recipe. We use it on very busy days.
Enjoy!
Julie
2 TSP onion soup mix
2 TSP beef broth
1 TSP quick cooking tapioca
1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
Hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes
In a slow cooker, combine the soup, soup mix, broth, and tapioca; let stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over the noodles or mashed potatoes.
This is a very easy and very good recipe. We use it on very busy days.
Enjoy!
Julie
Nice Matters Award
The "Nice Matters" award is given to "those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award."
I was given this lovely award this week by Sarah . I am so humbled that someone believes that I am deserving of such a wonderful award. I definitely try to be nice, sometimes it ain't easy! lol.
So, I am passing this award on to :
*Crystal (my baby sister) for her encouraging posts on being a wife and mother. And, because she is my sister!
*Amanda at (She has two blogs, and can put it on either one) She inspires me to be real and I believe that is so important.She shares her struggles with not only her duties as a wife and mother but with her Christian walk. She's not afraid to share her guts and she will help you if she can.
* Deidre at (For Such A Time As This) because I just like her blog. I just found it recently but I believe that she is a mother who is trying her best to raise godly children. I love the stories about her girls.
* Jenn at (Knee Deep in Munchkin Land) because I admire her for truthfully sharing her struggles, especially with depression. This will help so many women who share the same struggles.
Well, there's my list! There are SO many more who inspire me but I can't type all day and most of you already have the award! Thank you again Sarah, for giving me this award!
Everyone have a great week!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Created To Be His Help Meet....
Okay, just so you realize, this book is controversial in today's feminist world. And to be perfectly honest, there are a few (minor) things that I don't agree with but that is true with most books. I am going to give you a few of my favorite passages because this wonderful book has and is helping me tremendously.
"For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man." 1 Corinthians 11:8-9
1. Virtue
2. Graciousness
3.Wisdom
4. Prudence
5. Goodness
Locate these words in scripture (KJV) and see how they relate to a woman of God. Pray for these in your life.
JOY
Merry heart, cheerful countenance and a glow to refresh your husband. Break the "poor me" habit. Put it down to sin and rebellion and wake up with joy in your heart and home.
JOY is found 167 times in God's word.
*Let the first thing your husband sees be a gentle smile.
*During the day, sing and play and dance as you work around the house with the broom or mop and this light hearted mood (visible joy is the only joy children understand) will be an encouragement to your children.
A THANKFUL SPIRIT
A wise woman sets a joyful mood in her home. Through laughter, music, and happy times, she creates a positive attitude in her children. She knows that a lighthearted home relieves her husband of stress.
Prov. 15:15 Phil. 4:11 Heb. 13:5 1Tim. 6:6-8
Thankfulness is how you think; joy is the abundance it produces. "
Colossians 3:15.
This book challenges me beyond belief. I am so convicted by the things that she says and what scripture says on being his help meet. I see so many things that I have done wrong and so many ways that I have caused damage in my marriage. But, on the other hand, I am so grateful that she gives such good advice on how to correct these problems. All it involves is a change of heart, a change of attitude. It's how we see ourselves. It's who we put first. It's sacrifice. It's unconditional love. It's loving no matter what you get back. It's letting your husband be the head of your home, be the head of you. It's surrendering control. Your marriage will be so blessed when you truly let God change your heart and put these methods into practice. It's a great book to read and read and read and read!!!!!!!!!
THINGS TO CHANGE ABOUT ME:
1. Give Charlie control. I try to control many situations because I fear that he will not handle them correctly (how arrogant is that?).
2. Stop expecting him to do things for me. Stop expecting him to read my mind. Tell him if I want or need something and don't punish him for not knowing that I want or need these things.
3. Stop being inconsiderate of his work. Be more understanding and try to actually put myself in his shoes. Don't shut down because I am afraid of dealing with problems.
4. Stop living in the past. Charlie is not my ex boyfriend (long story, VERY painful one). Let it go. Deal with it. Get counseling if I have to.
5. Care for Charlie in every way, JOYFULLY!!!!!
6. Care for my baby girls, JOYFULLY!!!!!
7. Stop pushing Charlie.
8. Be respectful of his need for sleep, a hot meal when he gets home (precious man, He helps a lot with this, mainly because he likes to cook, it's relaxing for him, but I should have supper ready at least on his most busy days and most of the time I do, but I could always improve), and his need for free time and sex. (Yes, I know what I said, I'm not trying to embarass anyone, it's just the plain truth about ALL men).
9. Let Charlie make decisions.
10. Follow Charlie's directions and decisions.
11. Never speak bad of Charlie to others, especially do not mumble things about him around children when I am angry!
12. Be nice to him. Do kind things. Ask him if there is anything he would like done or to eat or ?????
13. Do not say ugly things to Charlie or snap at him or the girls. BE JOYFUL IN ALL MY DUTIES AS A WIFE AND MOTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14. Do things to save money and therefore, make life easier on Charlie, on the whole family. Learn to sew better, to can, make breads from scratch, menus EVERY week and stick to the budget, pay bills on time and with Charlie, Learn how to do more things on my own so Charlie doesn't have to do so much, Find ways to bring in extra income, take better care of and spend more time with our babies (this should be first on the list), Limit internet use to naptimes and that's it!!(my family gets the rest of my time).
15. Evenings, when Charlie comes home from work, he should come home to a sweet and welcoming haven. My evening should be dedicated to taking care of my husband and helping him unwind after a long day at work. Our evenings should not be spent in a frenzy. I should run our home better so that this is the only order of business, other than taking care of the girls, in the evening. It should be ALL about family time and then mine and Charlie's time.
Well, these are 15 things that I am going to change about me. There are so many more but I think that these are a good place to start. I will write more on this book, because I truly believe it is wonderful and is a great help to our marriage.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
"For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man." 1 Corinthians 11:8-9
1. Virtue
2. Graciousness
3.Wisdom
4. Prudence
5. Goodness
Locate these words in scripture (KJV) and see how they relate to a woman of God. Pray for these in your life.
JOY
Merry heart, cheerful countenance and a glow to refresh your husband. Break the "poor me" habit. Put it down to sin and rebellion and wake up with joy in your heart and home.
JOY is found 167 times in God's word.
*Let the first thing your husband sees be a gentle smile.
*During the day, sing and play and dance as you work around the house with the broom or mop and this light hearted mood (visible joy is the only joy children understand) will be an encouragement to your children.
A THANKFUL SPIRIT
A wise woman sets a joyful mood in her home. Through laughter, music, and happy times, she creates a positive attitude in her children. She knows that a lighthearted home relieves her husband of stress.
Prov. 15:15 Phil. 4:11 Heb. 13:5 1Tim. 6:6-8
Thankfulness is how you think; joy is the abundance it produces. "
Colossians 3:15.
This book challenges me beyond belief. I am so convicted by the things that she says and what scripture says on being his help meet. I see so many things that I have done wrong and so many ways that I have caused damage in my marriage. But, on the other hand, I am so grateful that she gives such good advice on how to correct these problems. All it involves is a change of heart, a change of attitude. It's how we see ourselves. It's who we put first. It's sacrifice. It's unconditional love. It's loving no matter what you get back. It's letting your husband be the head of your home, be the head of you. It's surrendering control. Your marriage will be so blessed when you truly let God change your heart and put these methods into practice. It's a great book to read and read and read and read!!!!!!!!!
THINGS TO CHANGE ABOUT ME:
1. Give Charlie control. I try to control many situations because I fear that he will not handle them correctly (how arrogant is that?).
2. Stop expecting him to do things for me. Stop expecting him to read my mind. Tell him if I want or need something and don't punish him for not knowing that I want or need these things.
3. Stop being inconsiderate of his work. Be more understanding and try to actually put myself in his shoes. Don't shut down because I am afraid of dealing with problems.
4. Stop living in the past. Charlie is not my ex boyfriend (long story, VERY painful one). Let it go. Deal with it. Get counseling if I have to.
5. Care for Charlie in every way, JOYFULLY!!!!!
6. Care for my baby girls, JOYFULLY!!!!!
7. Stop pushing Charlie.
8. Be respectful of his need for sleep, a hot meal when he gets home (precious man, He helps a lot with this, mainly because he likes to cook, it's relaxing for him, but I should have supper ready at least on his most busy days and most of the time I do, but I could always improve), and his need for free time and sex. (Yes, I know what I said, I'm not trying to embarass anyone, it's just the plain truth about ALL men).
9. Let Charlie make decisions.
10. Follow Charlie's directions and decisions.
11. Never speak bad of Charlie to others, especially do not mumble things about him around children when I am angry!
12. Be nice to him. Do kind things. Ask him if there is anything he would like done or to eat or ?????
13. Do not say ugly things to Charlie or snap at him or the girls. BE JOYFUL IN ALL MY DUTIES AS A WIFE AND MOTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14. Do things to save money and therefore, make life easier on Charlie, on the whole family. Learn to sew better, to can, make breads from scratch, menus EVERY week and stick to the budget, pay bills on time and with Charlie, Learn how to do more things on my own so Charlie doesn't have to do so much, Find ways to bring in extra income, take better care of and spend more time with our babies (this should be first on the list), Limit internet use to naptimes and that's it!!(my family gets the rest of my time).
15. Evenings, when Charlie comes home from work, he should come home to a sweet and welcoming haven. My evening should be dedicated to taking care of my husband and helping him unwind after a long day at work. Our evenings should not be spent in a frenzy. I should run our home better so that this is the only order of business, other than taking care of the girls, in the evening. It should be ALL about family time and then mine and Charlie's time.
Well, these are 15 things that I am going to change about me. There are so many more but I think that these are a good place to start. I will write more on this book, because I truly believe it is wonderful and is a great help to our marriage.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thank you to my babies.. (even though they can't read!)
I've been thinking a lot lately about how exhausted I am and how I get no free time anymore, how every instant of my life is dedicated to someone else.
But, this is what I have always wanted. What I prayed for. This is a season and it will pass very soon. They will grow up and I will wish they were small again.
Being a parent is so hard but my kids can make me happy like no one else can. Lily melts me because she is always smiling and she is the biggest little cuddler, she reaches out for me and laughs and I just swell up with love and thankfulness to the Lord for my babies. Claire is so precious, she thinks that Mama can fix ANYTHING! (please don't tell her, I dread the day when she discovers that I can't).
I am trying so hard to get it right, to instill faith and love in my children. To teach them to be sober and self controlled but at the same time, to open their hearts to others. To be compassionate, giving and full of grace. To be more like Christ than I've ever been.
And that is the most difficult part of parenting. Taking care of their daily needs is nothing compared to raising godly children who love others as passionately as they love the Lord. And raising them to be passionate about the Lord and others in the first place when we fail at that ourselves so many times.
So, thank you to my babies for showing me grace. For loving me even when I'm not the nicest, calmest, sweetest Mommy. For forgiving me when I can't forgive myself. For not having the impossible expectations of me that I have for myself. For believing that your Mommy is the best Mommy. For wanting me when you are sick or scared. For crying to me when someone hurts your feelings, for letting me kiss your hurts and for most of all, Claire, for saying, 'Mumma, weez pay "(Mama, we pray)when I lose it after a long stressful day. Claire and Lily, you are Mama's heart. I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always, as long as I'm living my babies you'll be."
Love,
Mama
But, this is what I have always wanted. What I prayed for. This is a season and it will pass very soon. They will grow up and I will wish they were small again.
Being a parent is so hard but my kids can make me happy like no one else can. Lily melts me because she is always smiling and she is the biggest little cuddler, she reaches out for me and laughs and I just swell up with love and thankfulness to the Lord for my babies. Claire is so precious, she thinks that Mama can fix ANYTHING! (please don't tell her, I dread the day when she discovers that I can't).
I am trying so hard to get it right, to instill faith and love in my children. To teach them to be sober and self controlled but at the same time, to open their hearts to others. To be compassionate, giving and full of grace. To be more like Christ than I've ever been.
And that is the most difficult part of parenting. Taking care of their daily needs is nothing compared to raising godly children who love others as passionately as they love the Lord. And raising them to be passionate about the Lord and others in the first place when we fail at that ourselves so many times.
So, thank you to my babies for showing me grace. For loving me even when I'm not the nicest, calmest, sweetest Mommy. For forgiving me when I can't forgive myself. For not having the impossible expectations of me that I have for myself. For believing that your Mommy is the best Mommy. For wanting me when you are sick or scared. For crying to me when someone hurts your feelings, for letting me kiss your hurts and for most of all, Claire, for saying, 'Mumma, weez pay "(Mama, we pray)when I lose it after a long stressful day. Claire and Lily, you are Mama's heart. I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always, as long as I'm living my babies you'll be."
Love,
Mama
Weekly Menu (kinda late, I know)
We start our menus on Wednesdays because that's when my hubby gets paid and I do our weekly grocery shopping (although we are working on a way to make this twice a month or monthly so it is easier on me, our grocery stores are 40min - 1 hour away and they are not the best discount grocers either. I would like to make a one and a half hour trip once a month instead and get better prices on our groceries. ) Anyway, here it is:
Wednesday- Ate Mexican Food
Thursday- Grilled Beef Smoked Sausages, Grilled corn on the cob, Yellow Squash sauteed with butter and onions, Sweet tea
Friday- Spicy Grilled Turkey Burgers*, Pasta Salad, Corn on the Cob, Sweet Tea
Saturday- Crockpot Pizza*, Salad, Sweet tea
Sunday- Cabbage Casserole*, Mashed Potatoes, Squash& onions, sweet tea
Monday- Pinto Beans w/Smoked Sausage, Fried Potatoes w/onion, Cornbread, Sweet tea
Tuesday- Baked Ziti, Salad, Green Beans, Sweet tea
* Recipes courtesy of http://www.tammysrecipes.com/
Desserts for the week: Buttered Pecan Ice Cream, Coconut Cream Icebox Pie, Fruit Salad, Hershey's Choc. Cake & No Bake Chocolate Cookies
Have a Great Week!!
Love,
Julie
Wednesday- Ate Mexican Food
Thursday- Grilled Beef Smoked Sausages, Grilled corn on the cob, Yellow Squash sauteed with butter and onions, Sweet tea
Friday- Spicy Grilled Turkey Burgers*, Pasta Salad, Corn on the Cob, Sweet Tea
Saturday- Crockpot Pizza*, Salad, Sweet tea
Sunday- Cabbage Casserole*, Mashed Potatoes, Squash& onions, sweet tea
Monday- Pinto Beans w/Smoked Sausage, Fried Potatoes w/onion, Cornbread, Sweet tea
Tuesday- Baked Ziti, Salad, Green Beans, Sweet tea
* Recipes courtesy of http://www.tammysrecipes.com/
Desserts for the week: Buttered Pecan Ice Cream, Coconut Cream Icebox Pie, Fruit Salad, Hershey's Choc. Cake & No Bake Chocolate Cookies
Have a Great Week!!
Love,
Julie
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Created To Be His Help Meet (To Love Their Children).......
From "Created to Be His Help Meet" :
"The woman who invests herself in a child's life will be the one whom the child loves and the one with whom she/he will bond when she or he is older.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" 3 John 1:4
Make a New Habit:
Look into your child's eyes and smile MANY TIMES EACH DAY. Take 5 minutes every thirty minutes or so and play with your child. Just play. Never work alone, always have your "little buddy" helping you.
God has given your children guardian angels who watch them from heaven. You are their guardian angel here on earth. " Debi Pearl
I think that all of this has a lot of merit. I especially like the one about smiling into your child's eyes many times a day! " How I would love for someone to do this for me", I thought. Then I remembered, Claire and Lily do this all the time. I just don't pay attention like I should, I am "too busy".
I have been studying on how I can be a better wife and mother before I am anything else. I believe that if I can't serve those in my own home then what good will I be to others? Anyway, I hope this helps you as much as it helped me today.
Love,
Julie
"The woman who invests herself in a child's life will be the one whom the child loves and the one with whom she/he will bond when she or he is older.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" 3 John 1:4
Make a New Habit:
Look into your child's eyes and smile MANY TIMES EACH DAY. Take 5 minutes every thirty minutes or so and play with your child. Just play. Never work alone, always have your "little buddy" helping you.
God has given your children guardian angels who watch them from heaven. You are their guardian angel here on earth. " Debi Pearl
I think that all of this has a lot of merit. I especially like the one about smiling into your child's eyes many times a day! " How I would love for someone to do this for me", I thought. Then I remembered, Claire and Lily do this all the time. I just don't pay attention like I should, I am "too busy".
I have been studying on how I can be a better wife and mother before I am anything else. I believe that if I can't serve those in my own home then what good will I be to others? Anyway, I hope this helps you as much as it helped me today.
Love,
Julie
Great Sites that I LOVE!
A lot of you probably already know about these but some don't so I thought I would share this and maybe it will help you:
http://www.menus4moms.com/ has GREAT recipes! I don't always follow their plan exactly but everything I have tried has turned out SO good!! This will help your budget. And the stress of deciding what to fix for supper and making the grocery list is gone, WOW! It is so easy!
http://www.tammysrecipes.com/ Another great site, she has a lot of good recipes and her bread recipes are amazing! We are trying the cabbage casserole tomorrow night and her chocolate no bake cookies are BETTER than mine!
http://www.polkadotdaisies.blogspot.com/ has some of the cutest crafts I have ever seen! Check out the fake cookies for dollhouses, ADORABLE!
http://www.orgjunkie.blogspot.com/ has great organizing tips and a year's worth of menus! Just a warning though, my computer freezes up when I go to her site and this has happened to a few other people, I don't know why. But try it anyway.
http://www.amyswandering.wordpress.com/ has some great sites you can visit for Art projects! She is a great homeschooling resource. So is http://www.javamama.wordpress.com/ She has a homeschooling blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JavaMama . And by the way, I just LOVE homeschool blogger! You can find out so much there.
http://www.letteroftheweek.com/ This is what we are starting with Claire the beginning of September, we meant to do it a few months ago but I was pregnant and then Lil-bug came and just not a good time! But, we are a little more settled down now so we are giving it another go! They also have programs for babies!
Well, here's a few sites that I love. I know I get really excited but, I am so grateful to all of these people who are such a help to me!
God Bless and Have a Great Day!
Julie
http://www.menus4moms.com/ has GREAT recipes! I don't always follow their plan exactly but everything I have tried has turned out SO good!! This will help your budget. And the stress of deciding what to fix for supper and making the grocery list is gone, WOW! It is so easy!
http://www.tammysrecipes.com/ Another great site, she has a lot of good recipes and her bread recipes are amazing! We are trying the cabbage casserole tomorrow night and her chocolate no bake cookies are BETTER than mine!
http://www.polkadotdaisies.blogspot.com/ has some of the cutest crafts I have ever seen! Check out the fake cookies for dollhouses, ADORABLE!
http://www.orgjunkie.blogspot.com/ has great organizing tips and a year's worth of menus! Just a warning though, my computer freezes up when I go to her site and this has happened to a few other people, I don't know why. But try it anyway.
http://www.amyswandering.wordpress.com/ has some great sites you can visit for Art projects! She is a great homeschooling resource. So is http://www.javamama.wordpress.com/ She has a homeschooling blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JavaMama . And by the way, I just LOVE homeschool blogger! You can find out so much there.
http://www.letteroftheweek.com/ This is what we are starting with Claire the beginning of September, we meant to do it a few months ago but I was pregnant and then Lil-bug came and just not a good time! But, we are a little more settled down now so we are giving it another go! They also have programs for babies!
Well, here's a few sites that I love. I know I get really excited but, I am so grateful to all of these people who are such a help to me!
God Bless and Have a Great Day!
Julie
Thankful Thursdays
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanksgiving is set aside as a time to thank God for blessings. But we should not wait until then to thank God for all He has done.
Whenever we feel God's hand on our life, we should let Him know. When we see Him working in the lives of those around us, we should thank Him for that too. We should thank Him every moment for the wonderful gift of our salvation. Begin to grow closer to God today, He is waiting with open arms!
Things I am thankful for this Thursday:
* wonderful, kind, thoughtful people (especially on the internet, where it is so easy to be rude).
* my little sister at http://www.prayingmomof3.blogspot.com/ She is always encouraging me and pulling me up when I fall down. I miss her like crazy right now.
* my older sister who always gives me great advice on herbal remedies, marriage, cooking, ....... She tries to be a Titus 2 woman and I admire her so much for that.
* Melissa, our cousin, who is always a big encouragement to me. Wonderful person, great friend.
* Claire saying , "Thanz you, Mumma" for everything, all day long!
* Lily sleeping all night last night (she has been teething and has allergies)
* My husband gave me a neck and back massage this morning. And talked to me about my very stressful day yesterday even though he had a horrible day at work.
* Charlie took us out to eat mexican food last night. No dishes to do!
* Recipe and menu planning blogs, this helps our budget so much!
* My sewing machine that I am about to start using (I PROMISE!!!!!)
* Walking and Running ( I am going to run in the evenings)
* My granny's dishes
* little girls (Claire is carrying purses everywhere now, she got one yesterday that looks like something Nicole Richie has(not that I am endorsing Nicole, I AM NOT)
* Claire saying, "Mumma, wead, I noz sweepy." (Mama, read, I not sleepy)
* The money to buy food for my family and pay our bills and buy some things that we want. To be able to feed our kids, buy diapers and wipes, and give them a decent place to sleep at night. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Thanksgiving is set aside as a time to thank God for blessings. But we should not wait until then to thank God for all He has done.
Whenever we feel God's hand on our life, we should let Him know. When we see Him working in the lives of those around us, we should thank Him for that too. We should thank Him every moment for the wonderful gift of our salvation. Begin to grow closer to God today, He is waiting with open arms!
Things I am thankful for this Thursday:
* wonderful, kind, thoughtful people (especially on the internet, where it is so easy to be rude).
* my little sister at http://www.prayingmomof3.blogspot.com/ She is always encouraging me and pulling me up when I fall down. I miss her like crazy right now.
* my older sister who always gives me great advice on herbal remedies, marriage, cooking, ....... She tries to be a Titus 2 woman and I admire her so much for that.
* Melissa, our cousin, who is always a big encouragement to me. Wonderful person, great friend.
* Claire saying , "Thanz you, Mumma" for everything, all day long!
* Lily sleeping all night last night (she has been teething and has allergies)
* My husband gave me a neck and back massage this morning. And talked to me about my very stressful day yesterday even though he had a horrible day at work.
* Charlie took us out to eat mexican food last night. No dishes to do!
* Recipe and menu planning blogs, this helps our budget so much!
* My sewing machine that I am about to start using (I PROMISE!!!!!)
* Walking and Running ( I am going to run in the evenings)
* My granny's dishes
* little girls (Claire is carrying purses everywhere now, she got one yesterday that looks like something Nicole Richie has(not that I am endorsing Nicole, I AM NOT)
* Claire saying, "Mumma, wead, I noz sweepy." (Mama, read, I not sleepy)
* The money to buy food for my family and pay our bills and buy some things that we want. To be able to feed our kids, buy diapers and wipes, and give them a decent place to sleep at night. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
A Burden or a Blessing?
I found this today in one of my MANY books on my shelves. I have been struggling a lot with being grateful and being a good mother to my girls. So, anyway, this helped me:
Psalm 127:3,5
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
This book is called, "Moments Together For Couples" by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.
"Many parents today feel like kids are a burden. That's not what the Bible calls them. It doesn't say, "Behold, children are a burden of the Lord," or Burdened is the man whose quiver is full of them."
Our views have become distorted. What we see as a burden, God sees as a blessing. Some of us need to knock the windows out of our corrupted views and let the Spirit of God come into our homes and refresh our hearts and minds so we can see clearly again that children are a blessing.
Don't get me wrong. Barbara and I will be the first to tell you that we are in a process with our children. We have failed many times. And I have been so frustrated, after exhausting all rational reasoning, all reward systems, and all "biblical approaches", that the only thing left for me to do was yell, throw a box of Kleenexes on the floor, slam the door and walk out-just like my kids do. Which just convinces me that one of God's greatest purposes for parents is to bring us face-to-face with our own depravity.
We want life to be easy, or at least bearable. And when children make our lives difficult, we begin to feel they are burdens. But we fail to realize what God makes clear-our children are gifts from God. God has given us our children for His glory and our good.
When I speak at our Family Life Marriage Conferences, I'm always suprised couples are when I explain that our mates are gifts from God. Why are they so astounded? Don't they know our God? He wants to bless us. He's out for our best interests.
In the same way, you need to recieve your children as gifts from God. If you do, your whole attitude will change. NO longer will you try to change your kids, no longer will you consider them burdens. Instead, you'll view them as true blessings from God entrusted to you."
I thought that this was wonderful and it helped me so much today. I must have called out to the Lord 100 times today (we went grocery shopping and to pay bills in 106 heat!) I should have called out to him 100's more.
Lord,
Thank you for our precious blessings and forgive me for EVER seeing them as anything else. I am humbled that you have entrusted these beautiful lives to me. Please give me the grace and knowledge to raise them in the love that you have given me. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Psalm 127:3,5
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
This book is called, "Moments Together For Couples" by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.
"Many parents today feel like kids are a burden. That's not what the Bible calls them. It doesn't say, "Behold, children are a burden of the Lord," or Burdened is the man whose quiver is full of them."
Our views have become distorted. What we see as a burden, God sees as a blessing. Some of us need to knock the windows out of our corrupted views and let the Spirit of God come into our homes and refresh our hearts and minds so we can see clearly again that children are a blessing.
Don't get me wrong. Barbara and I will be the first to tell you that we are in a process with our children. We have failed many times. And I have been so frustrated, after exhausting all rational reasoning, all reward systems, and all "biblical approaches", that the only thing left for me to do was yell, throw a box of Kleenexes on the floor, slam the door and walk out-just like my kids do. Which just convinces me that one of God's greatest purposes for parents is to bring us face-to-face with our own depravity.
We want life to be easy, or at least bearable. And when children make our lives difficult, we begin to feel they are burdens. But we fail to realize what God makes clear-our children are gifts from God. God has given us our children for His glory and our good.
When I speak at our Family Life Marriage Conferences, I'm always suprised couples are when I explain that our mates are gifts from God. Why are they so astounded? Don't they know our God? He wants to bless us. He's out for our best interests.
In the same way, you need to recieve your children as gifts from God. If you do, your whole attitude will change. NO longer will you try to change your kids, no longer will you consider them burdens. Instead, you'll view them as true blessings from God entrusted to you."
I thought that this was wonderful and it helped me so much today. I must have called out to the Lord 100 times today (we went grocery shopping and to pay bills in 106 heat!) I should have called out to him 100's more.
Lord,
Thank you for our precious blessings and forgive me for EVER seeing them as anything else. I am humbled that you have entrusted these beautiful lives to me. Please give me the grace and knowledge to raise them in the love that you have given me. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Lily's 4 month checkup
Today we drove an hour and a half for Lily's 4 month checkup and shots. I hate shots. Yes, I know all of the different opinions about shots and I am always scared about taking them. What if they have a reaction? A bad one? Does anyone else do this except me? Or do I just worry way to much?
Lily is doing good. She weighs 13 lbs. 8 oz and is 23 1/4 in. long!!!!! She is growing SO fast! I can't believe that she will be 4 months old on the first. I am going to try and put a picture on here but it may take me awhile because I will have to scan it and I have dial up and it is s....l.....o.....w...........
Claire got upset again because Sissy was crying. She is really good to her, it is so sweet to watch. We went to Isle of Capri (an Italian place) for lunch and it was pretty good. Not as good as the other Italian place in town. Hard to beat the privacy and just wonderful food and atmosphere they have. We also went to an outlet they just put in (Vera Wang was one of the stores, I was impressed!) I got two nightgowns (my lingerie is crap, I've had it forever) for $40!!!!! My husband will be SO HAPPY!!!
Okay, back to Lily, she is rolling over, pushing up on her arms, and babbling and laughing. She has the most open, wide faced grin that I have ever seen and her laugh is so precious! She always smiles at me and her Daddy is her absolute favorite person. She is always grabbing her sister and laughing! She is such a blessing to our family. My favorite thing about Lily is that she lets me rock her. Claire hated that. She just did not want to be held when she was sleepy, she wanted her bed. Lily is the exact opposite, she wants MOMMY!!! I LOVE THAT!!!!
Okay, enough bragging on my kids. I will try to catch up on my blogging later. It is going to be a rough week. Bill paying, grocery shopping tomorrow, and another dr's appt. on Thursday and I am not getting much sleep.
Be back later.
Love,
Julie
Lily is doing good. She weighs 13 lbs. 8 oz and is 23 1/4 in. long!!!!! She is growing SO fast! I can't believe that she will be 4 months old on the first. I am going to try and put a picture on here but it may take me awhile because I will have to scan it and I have dial up and it is s....l.....o.....w...........
Claire got upset again because Sissy was crying. She is really good to her, it is so sweet to watch. We went to Isle of Capri (an Italian place) for lunch and it was pretty good. Not as good as the other Italian place in town. Hard to beat the privacy and just wonderful food and atmosphere they have. We also went to an outlet they just put in (Vera Wang was one of the stores, I was impressed!) I got two nightgowns (my lingerie is crap, I've had it forever) for $40!!!!! My husband will be SO HAPPY!!!
Okay, back to Lily, she is rolling over, pushing up on her arms, and babbling and laughing. She has the most open, wide faced grin that I have ever seen and her laugh is so precious! She always smiles at me and her Daddy is her absolute favorite person. She is always grabbing her sister and laughing! She is such a blessing to our family. My favorite thing about Lily is that she lets me rock her. Claire hated that. She just did not want to be held when she was sleepy, she wanted her bed. Lily is the exact opposite, she wants MOMMY!!! I LOVE THAT!!!!
Okay, enough bragging on my kids. I will try to catch up on my blogging later. It is going to be a rough week. Bill paying, grocery shopping tomorrow, and another dr's appt. on Thursday and I am not getting much sleep.
Be back later.
Love,
Julie
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Two Great Blogs!
Sarah, at http://www.inlightofthetruth.blogspot.com/ has given us some of her favorite passages from "Power of a Praying Wife". Look under the Book Notes category on her blog. She has a very encouraging "memory verse" meme going on right now. Also,Kelli at http://www.javamama.wordpress.com/ . She is also a wife and mom who is trying to live for God every day. So, go on over and read for awhile, you'll be glad you did!
In the past few days, I have tried to visit some other blogs than what I normally do. The blogging world has been such a blessing to me, I will try to post more blogs that I find helpful and encouraging. Have a great day!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
*This is all jumbled up and not very gramatically correct. I can still hear my yearbook advisor ranting at me. Anyway, I have a migraine. So forgive me, please!
In the past few days, I have tried to visit some other blogs than what I normally do. The blogging world has been such a blessing to me, I will try to post more blogs that I find helpful and encouraging. Have a great day!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
*This is all jumbled up and not very gramatically correct. I can still hear my yearbook advisor ranting at me. Anyway, I have a migraine. So forgive me, please!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Our schedule...
Someone asked me for this a while back and it has definitely changed since then but maybe someone will find it helpful:
6:30 am - Get up with Claire, Lily is still asleep. Feed Claire, talk to her about things. Usually "Bopaw" and "MeMe" and "Kyee, Laina"
7:00 am - Get Lily up, change her, feed her, put her on the floor to play.
Brush Claire's teeth, get her dressed. Lily dressed , too.
Do a load or two of laundry while it's still somewhat cool, clean the bathroom.
9:00 am-Lily's 1st nap, feed her and put her down.
Pick up toys, make beds, run vacuum, fold laundry. Pay bills and assorted things like that. Make sweet tea for supper, put food in crockpot, chop vegetables or whatever prep needs done for that night. Claire likes to help me cook, this gives us some bonding time. Read with Claire, play in her room. From 10:00 -10:30 is Claire's room time.
11:00am- Lily gets up, feed Lily. Play with the girls. Read from the bible or watch a video.
12:00pm-lunch. cleanup.
12:30 - Read books to Claire and Lily.
1:00 pm- Claire goes down for nap, change Lily, feed Lily, She goes down for nap. My computer, reading, whatever time!!!!!!!!!!!
3:00 pm-Claire and Lily wake up, feed Lily, change Lily, put her in bouncy seat or swing for playtime, give Claire a snack.
3:30-4:00- watch video,
4:00-5:00- play or color or work with blocks or paint.
5:00- Lily's 3rd nap. The shortest one.
5:30- Lily wakes up, feed and change Lily. Claire is playing. Maybe take girls outside if it has cooled down.
6:00- Daddy gets home anywhere from 6-8. Usually, especially now, around 6 pm. Start supper, eat, clean up. Daddy and the girls play.
7:00- Girls take baths, I clean up toys and things out of place.
7:30- Say prayers, Feed Lily, put her to sleep, Read with Claire. Talk to Claire. It's bedtime.
8:00- Clean up what needs done, talk to Charlie. Take showers
9:00 - Feed Lily, go to sleep.
This is pretty much the way it goes but it gets moved back and forth some. It' life, we just adjust but we try to stay as close as possible to this.
There it is, hope it helps you!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
6:30 am - Get up with Claire, Lily is still asleep. Feed Claire, talk to her about things. Usually "Bopaw" and "MeMe" and "Kyee, Laina"
7:00 am - Get Lily up, change her, feed her, put her on the floor to play.
Brush Claire's teeth, get her dressed. Lily dressed , too.
Do a load or two of laundry while it's still somewhat cool, clean the bathroom.
9:00 am-Lily's 1st nap, feed her and put her down.
Pick up toys, make beds, run vacuum, fold laundry. Pay bills and assorted things like that. Make sweet tea for supper, put food in crockpot, chop vegetables or whatever prep needs done for that night. Claire likes to help me cook, this gives us some bonding time. Read with Claire, play in her room. From 10:00 -10:30 is Claire's room time.
11:00am- Lily gets up, feed Lily. Play with the girls. Read from the bible or watch a video.
12:00pm-lunch. cleanup.
12:30 - Read books to Claire and Lily.
1:00 pm- Claire goes down for nap, change Lily, feed Lily, She goes down for nap. My computer, reading, whatever time!!!!!!!!!!!
3:00 pm-Claire and Lily wake up, feed Lily, change Lily, put her in bouncy seat or swing for playtime, give Claire a snack.
3:30-4:00- watch video,
4:00-5:00- play or color or work with blocks or paint.
5:00- Lily's 3rd nap. The shortest one.
5:30- Lily wakes up, feed and change Lily. Claire is playing. Maybe take girls outside if it has cooled down.
6:00- Daddy gets home anywhere from 6-8. Usually, especially now, around 6 pm. Start supper, eat, clean up. Daddy and the girls play.
7:00- Girls take baths, I clean up toys and things out of place.
7:30- Say prayers, Feed Lily, put her to sleep, Read with Claire. Talk to Claire. It's bedtime.
8:00- Clean up what needs done, talk to Charlie. Take showers
9:00 - Feed Lily, go to sleep.
This is pretty much the way it goes but it gets moved back and forth some. It' life, we just adjust but we try to stay as close as possible to this.
There it is, hope it helps you!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Power of a Praying Wife thoughts, continued....
Okay, here we go:
" I've known people who use the excuse of "just being honest" to devestate others with their words. The Bible says, " A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back" Prov. 29:11. In other words, it's foolish to share every feeling and thougt. Being honest doesn't mean you have to be completely frank in your every comment. That hurts people. While honesty is a requirement for a succesful marriage, telling your husband everything that is wrong with him is not only ill-advised, it probably doesn't reveal the complete truth. "
"The total truth is from God's perspective and He, undoubtedly, doesn't have the same problems with some of your husband's actions as you do. Our goal must not be to get our husbands to do what WE want, but rather to release them to God so He can get them to do what HE wants."
"Distinguish carefully between what is truly right and wrong. If it doesn't fall clearly into either of these categories, keep your personal opinions to yourself. Or pray about them and then, as the Lord leads, reveal them in a calm discussion. The Bible says, "Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2. There are times when we are to just listen and not offer advice, to support and not offer constructive criticism."
"I'm not for a moment suggesting that you become a timid doormat who doesn't ever confront your husband with the truth-especially when it's for his greater good. By all means you must clearly communicate your thoughts and feelings. But once he has heard them, don't continue to press him until it becomes a point of contention and strife."
"IF you do have to say words that are hard to hear, ask God to help you discern when your husband would be most open to hearing them. Pray for the right words and for his heart to be totally receptive. "
"I wish I had learned earlier to pray before I spoke. My words too often set up a defensive reaction in my husband that produced harsh words we both regret. He perceived my suggestions as pressure to do or be something, even though I always had his best interests at heart. It had to come to him from God."
"It's not the words we speak that make a difference, it's the power of God accompanying them." Stormie O'Martian
Wow! So true, So true!
Hope this helped you today.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
" I've known people who use the excuse of "just being honest" to devestate others with their words. The Bible says, " A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back" Prov. 29:11. In other words, it's foolish to share every feeling and thougt. Being honest doesn't mean you have to be completely frank in your every comment. That hurts people. While honesty is a requirement for a succesful marriage, telling your husband everything that is wrong with him is not only ill-advised, it probably doesn't reveal the complete truth. "
"The total truth is from God's perspective and He, undoubtedly, doesn't have the same problems with some of your husband's actions as you do. Our goal must not be to get our husbands to do what WE want, but rather to release them to God so He can get them to do what HE wants."
"Distinguish carefully between what is truly right and wrong. If it doesn't fall clearly into either of these categories, keep your personal opinions to yourself. Or pray about them and then, as the Lord leads, reveal them in a calm discussion. The Bible says, "Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2. There are times when we are to just listen and not offer advice, to support and not offer constructive criticism."
"I'm not for a moment suggesting that you become a timid doormat who doesn't ever confront your husband with the truth-especially when it's for his greater good. By all means you must clearly communicate your thoughts and feelings. But once he has heard them, don't continue to press him until it becomes a point of contention and strife."
"IF you do have to say words that are hard to hear, ask God to help you discern when your husband would be most open to hearing them. Pray for the right words and for his heart to be totally receptive. "
"I wish I had learned earlier to pray before I spoke. My words too often set up a defensive reaction in my husband that produced harsh words we both regret. He perceived my suggestions as pressure to do or be something, even though I always had his best interests at heart. It had to come to him from God."
"It's not the words we speak that make a difference, it's the power of God accompanying them." Stormie O'Martian
Wow! So true, So true!
Hope this helped you today.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Speaking of kitchen efficiency...
Here are some sites that I have found recently. They are EXTREMELY helpful!
http://www.lobchatter.blogspot.com/ .
http://www.momsbudget.com/
http://www.sheknows.com/
http://www.organizedhome.com/
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/
Good luck with these and have fun trying new things!
Love, Julie
http://www.lobchatter.blogspot.com/ .
http://www.momsbudget.com/
http://www.sheknows.com/
http://www.organizedhome.com/
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/
Good luck with these and have fun trying new things!
Love, Julie
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Thankful Thursday.......
In no particular order:
* people who speak the truth, without fear of retribution.
* my family who loves me through everything
* snuggling babies
* little kid voices, oh, so sweet!
* kisses
* Fried Ice Cream (read this on a blog and tried it today, oh!!!)
* my kitchen aid mixer
* WIC vouchers to help pay for formula (yes, we use WIC)
* teething tablets
* tylenol (the infants kind. Tylenol doesn't do a thing for me, personally)
*excedrin extra strength (by the way, this is the same exact thing as exced.migraine, they just package it different, read the box)
* the internet, the blogging world
* straightening shampoo
* my mother (should have been higher on the list, thanks for all you do for everyone, Mama)
* my husband who works so hard and helps me when he gets home without complaining.
* my dad who lights up when my kids walk in the room!
* my beautiful little angels who taught me how to love and be a lot less selfish.
* Outdoor grills
*ICE
* AC
* wedge sandals (can wear them without falling over!)
* slow cookers/crockpots
*Washable markers with flip-top caps (no more lost lids!)
And the best thing of all, Jesus Christ and the neverchanging Word of GOD! Awesome!
Have a great day!
Love,
Julie
* people who speak the truth, without fear of retribution.
* my family who loves me through everything
* snuggling babies
* little kid voices, oh, so sweet!
* kisses
* Fried Ice Cream (read this on a blog and tried it today, oh!!!)
* my kitchen aid mixer
* WIC vouchers to help pay for formula (yes, we use WIC)
* teething tablets
* tylenol (the infants kind. Tylenol doesn't do a thing for me, personally)
*excedrin extra strength (by the way, this is the same exact thing as exced.migraine, they just package it different, read the box)
* the internet, the blogging world
* straightening shampoo
* my mother (should have been higher on the list, thanks for all you do for everyone, Mama)
* my husband who works so hard and helps me when he gets home without complaining.
* my dad who lights up when my kids walk in the room!
* my beautiful little angels who taught me how to love and be a lot less selfish.
* Outdoor grills
*ICE
* AC
* wedge sandals (can wear them without falling over!)
* slow cookers/crockpots
*Washable markers with flip-top caps (no more lost lids!)
And the best thing of all, Jesus Christ and the neverchanging Word of GOD! Awesome!
Have a great day!
Love,
Julie
Being a servant.....
I did something today which I have never really done before. I stopped and actually listened to someone who was cussing and saying terrible hateful words to someone on the phone. Why did I listen? I don't know but what I heard shocked me, not because of what he was saying but because of the pain I heard in his voice. He was talking to his mother and I could hear her screaming and cussing at him through the phone. He was cussing her back but he had such pain in his voice, he was crying.
Why did this bother me, you ask and why am I sharing it with you? I don't know. All I know is that for years I have truly not felt true compassion for people. Maybe that shocks you. GOOD! It should.
I have been wrapped up in my own pain, worrying about how to be self righteous and keep my hands clean. To stay away from all the riff-raff (an expression my father in law uses, I just like the word riff-raff) anyway, to stay away instead of getting involved, getting to know people whether they believe like me or fit into my nice little tidy box I like to put people in. I don't know that kid, but I know pain when I hear it.
Amanda at http://www.mamasings.blogspot.com/ has some thought provoking post in the last couple of days. I know a lot of you won't agree with her or the way she believes, that's okay, she doesn't expect you to. She just says what she thinks and feels. No one in this world agrees 100% on everything, if we think so,then we need to get real.
Some will think that I am even wrong for reading her stuff. All I can say is that I have learned from her and I don't believe any of it has been bad. Yes, for the church of christ people reading this, we do things a lot differently than they do but that doesn't mean we can't learn things from others. The point is, I am through serving myself, I am sure that I will slip up but I want to focus on how I can be a help to someone other than myself. I still think that it is important to be involved in your church, to be the best wife, mother and friend you can be. But, we need to expand our horizions a little bit and try to reach out of our comfort zone. You would be suprised at how you may bless someone's life. The guy I heard today, I said to him, "It sounds like you are having a bad day, I am sorry." He looked at me and said, " Thank you for asking me about my day. It has been really rough." Well, maybe that's all I said, and maybe I should have shared Christ right there but I didn't. I just let him know that someone cared and I go in the store often where he works, so maybe I can help him. I know, you think I have flipped out, but I really feel a burden for people lately. I feel like I need to help carry some burdens besides my own for awhile. Because , what I am really here for, in the end, what difference have I made? I guess maybe I am rambling but it is late. I will post more on this when my thoughts are clearer. I just know that maybe if people knew that we really cared about them and not about just making our churches bigger and being self righteous about everything maybe it would make all the difference in the world.
Anyway, I am off to try and get some sleep........
Love,
Julie
Edited: By the way, I am only talking about myself, I am not referring to anyone in particular, this is the way that I feel about myself and just a lot of Christians in general. Not really about anyone I know. Thanks for reading my ramblings.
Why did this bother me, you ask and why am I sharing it with you? I don't know. All I know is that for years I have truly not felt true compassion for people. Maybe that shocks you. GOOD! It should.
I have been wrapped up in my own pain, worrying about how to be self righteous and keep my hands clean. To stay away from all the riff-raff (an expression my father in law uses, I just like the word riff-raff) anyway, to stay away instead of getting involved, getting to know people whether they believe like me or fit into my nice little tidy box I like to put people in. I don't know that kid, but I know pain when I hear it.
Amanda at http://www.mamasings.blogspot.com/ has some thought provoking post in the last couple of days. I know a lot of you won't agree with her or the way she believes, that's okay, she doesn't expect you to. She just says what she thinks and feels. No one in this world agrees 100% on everything, if we think so,then we need to get real.
Some will think that I am even wrong for reading her stuff. All I can say is that I have learned from her and I don't believe any of it has been bad. Yes, for the church of christ people reading this, we do things a lot differently than they do but that doesn't mean we can't learn things from others. The point is, I am through serving myself, I am sure that I will slip up but I want to focus on how I can be a help to someone other than myself. I still think that it is important to be involved in your church, to be the best wife, mother and friend you can be. But, we need to expand our horizions a little bit and try to reach out of our comfort zone. You would be suprised at how you may bless someone's life. The guy I heard today, I said to him, "It sounds like you are having a bad day, I am sorry." He looked at me and said, " Thank you for asking me about my day. It has been really rough." Well, maybe that's all I said, and maybe I should have shared Christ right there but I didn't. I just let him know that someone cared and I go in the store often where he works, so maybe I can help him. I know, you think I have flipped out, but I really feel a burden for people lately. I feel like I need to help carry some burdens besides my own for awhile. Because , what I am really here for, in the end, what difference have I made? I guess maybe I am rambling but it is late. I will post more on this when my thoughts are clearer. I just know that maybe if people knew that we really cared about them and not about just making our churches bigger and being self righteous about everything maybe it would make all the difference in the world.
Anyway, I am off to try and get some sleep........
Love,
Julie
Edited: By the way, I am only talking about myself, I am not referring to anyone in particular, this is the way that I feel about myself and just a lot of Christians in general. Not really about anyone I know. Thanks for reading my ramblings.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A more efficient kitchen....
Why is it everytime I go to Wal-Mart, I can't come out of there without spending at least $100? No matter what I do, it is ridiculous! I have been praying about it though (yes I have) and I have come up with a few things that I can do:
1. Make my own tortillas (this is healthier anyway)
2. Make all biscuits from scratch and freeze the dough and then bake
3. Buy large amouts of meat at Sam's and brown all of my ground chuck, place in freezer bags (quart size) and freeze
4. Cook chicken in the slow cooker and freeze in quart size bags
5. Saute onions and peppers and freeze
6. Keep cooked beans in the freezer
7. Make cookie dough and freeze
8. Make 3 meals every time I cook a freezable meal and stick 2 in the freezer for later.
9. Make my own bread. I am going to try this! I hate yeast. Yes, I love to bake anything that doesn't involve yeast! I have baked with yeast a few times before and it is just not something that I love to do but I am going to conquer this!
10. Keep a well stocked pantry, freezer and refrigerator (I will post more on this later ).
I am sure that this is just riveting to you, but I am fascinated with keeping a better , more efficient home. Maybe this will help you as well. Like I said, I will tell you more about how I am going to do it. I have done this before and then I had Lily and things got crazy again so I am ready to get back in gear!
Everyone have a great day!
Julie
1. Make my own tortillas (this is healthier anyway)
2. Make all biscuits from scratch and freeze the dough and then bake
3. Buy large amouts of meat at Sam's and brown all of my ground chuck, place in freezer bags (quart size) and freeze
4. Cook chicken in the slow cooker and freeze in quart size bags
5. Saute onions and peppers and freeze
6. Keep cooked beans in the freezer
7. Make cookie dough and freeze
8. Make 3 meals every time I cook a freezable meal and stick 2 in the freezer for later.
9. Make my own bread. I am going to try this! I hate yeast. Yes, I love to bake anything that doesn't involve yeast! I have baked with yeast a few times before and it is just not something that I love to do but I am going to conquer this!
10. Keep a well stocked pantry, freezer and refrigerator (I will post more on this later ).
I am sure that this is just riveting to you, but I am fascinated with keeping a better , more efficient home. Maybe this will help you as well. Like I said, I will tell you more about how I am going to do it. I have done this before and then I had Lily and things got crazy again so I am ready to get back in gear!
Everyone have a great day!
Julie
Power of a Praying Wife thoughts.....
Day 2:
"The purpose is to ask God to make your heart right, show you how to be a good wife, share the burdens of your soul, and seek God's blessing on your husband.
The hard part about being a praying wife, other than the sacrifice of time, is maintaining a pure heart. It must be clean before God in order for you to see good results. That's why praying for a husband must begin with praying for his wife. If you have resentment, anger, unforgiveness, or an ungodly attitude, even if there's good reason for it, you'll have a difficult time seeing answers to your prayers. But if you can release those feelings to God in total honesty and then move into prayer, there is nothing that can change a marriage more dramatically. Sometimes wives sabatoge their own prayers because they don't pray them from a right heart.
I was the one God worked on first. I was the one who began to change. My heart had to be softened, humbled, pummeled, and reconstructed before He even started working on my husband. I had to learn to see things according to the way God saw them, not the way I thought they should be."
Well, there's the thoughts for the day, the kids were both up extremely early this morning and I am exhausted. This is going to be a long series because I have a lot of favorite books! I hope you enjoy this and it helps you as much as it does me.
Love,
Julie
"The purpose is to ask God to make your heart right, show you how to be a good wife, share the burdens of your soul, and seek God's blessing on your husband.
The hard part about being a praying wife, other than the sacrifice of time, is maintaining a pure heart. It must be clean before God in order for you to see good results. That's why praying for a husband must begin with praying for his wife. If you have resentment, anger, unforgiveness, or an ungodly attitude, even if there's good reason for it, you'll have a difficult time seeing answers to your prayers. But if you can release those feelings to God in total honesty and then move into prayer, there is nothing that can change a marriage more dramatically. Sometimes wives sabatoge their own prayers because they don't pray them from a right heart.
I was the one God worked on first. I was the one who began to change. My heart had to be softened, humbled, pummeled, and reconstructed before He even started working on my husband. I had to learn to see things according to the way God saw them, not the way I thought they should be."
Well, there's the thoughts for the day, the kids were both up extremely early this morning and I am exhausted. This is going to be a long series because I have a lot of favorite books! I hope you enjoy this and it helps you as much as it does me.
Love,
Julie
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Power of a Praying Wife....
I have read this many times in the past few years. I thought I would share some of my favorite passages with you:
We can say, " I will not allow anythiing to destroy my marriage."
" I will not stand by and watch m husband be wearied, beat down, or destroyed."
" I will not sit idle while an invisible wall goes up between us"
" I will not allow confusion, miscommunication, wrong atttitudes, and bad choices to erode what we are trying to build together."
"I will not tolerate hurt and unforgiveness leading us to divorce."
We can take a stand against any negative influences in our marriage and know that God has given us authority in His name to back it up. (Matthew 18:18)
Hmmmmmmm............
Well, I will post more tomorrow, it is getting late and I am sleepy. Just thought this might help someone.
Love,
Julie
We can say, " I will not allow anythiing to destroy my marriage."
" I will not stand by and watch m husband be wearied, beat down, or destroyed."
" I will not sit idle while an invisible wall goes up between us"
" I will not allow confusion, miscommunication, wrong atttitudes, and bad choices to erode what we are trying to build together."
"I will not tolerate hurt and unforgiveness leading us to divorce."
We can take a stand against any negative influences in our marriage and know that God has given us authority in His name to back it up. (Matthew 18:18)
Hmmmmmmm............
Well, I will post more tomorrow, it is getting late and I am sleepy. Just thought this might help someone.
Love,
Julie
Monday, August 13, 2007
Selfish anger...
I have been pretty empty lately as far as blogging goes so didn't want to post anything until I had worked through this static in my mind but I found this article on a blog (I have no idea which one or who wrote it, I surfed so many this morning, when I find it , I will give the author credit, I promise!) that was talking about selfish anger.
She wrote something similar to this, " When your child spills her drink for the 20th time today and you have cleaned the same carpet for the 12th time today, your reaction is to yell and rant and ask questions she can't answer and punish in anger. That is selfish anger. The rug, the whatever it is, is just a possession, you can replace it, are you going to take any of it to heaven with you? Can you replace your child? No, of course not. What you should do is this: Go and pray quietly. Say to yourself, " This is my baby. God gave me this child to nurture and love, not to scream and yell at. God forgive me for damaging this child. Give me strength and patience and love. Teach me to treat this baby like the precious treasure that she is. " I guarantee you will have a different attitude after that."
Wow! When I find the site and the EXACT words, I will share them with you. I am pretty drained right now and this is all I have to offer in the way of blogging. I will post more later, I have a lot going around in my mind, I just have to get it all straightened out. Know what I mean?
Love and Prayers,
Julie
She wrote something similar to this, " When your child spills her drink for the 20th time today and you have cleaned the same carpet for the 12th time today, your reaction is to yell and rant and ask questions she can't answer and punish in anger. That is selfish anger. The rug, the whatever it is, is just a possession, you can replace it, are you going to take any of it to heaven with you? Can you replace your child? No, of course not. What you should do is this: Go and pray quietly. Say to yourself, " This is my baby. God gave me this child to nurture and love, not to scream and yell at. God forgive me for damaging this child. Give me strength and patience and love. Teach me to treat this baby like the precious treasure that she is. " I guarantee you will have a different attitude after that."
Wow! When I find the site and the EXACT words, I will share them with you. I am pretty drained right now and this is all I have to offer in the way of blogging. I will post more later, I have a lot going around in my mind, I just have to get it all straightened out. Know what I mean?
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Saturday, August 11, 2007
And now, the rest of the story.....
I realize after reading over what I said and thinking about it for a few days that it came out in an angry way and that is not what I meant at all. Maybe I should clarify a few things:
I, ME, MYSELF am also to blame. I have done my share of not visiting and not calling and not inviting others to do things with me and my family. I have tried a few times and it got to hard and it seemed like people were not as interested as I was so I stopped. This was my mistake. I should have kept trying and I should have went to more things that were planned.
I am not angry so much as I am depressed and sad. I feel very alone and things you feel are not always so easy to say. So, forgive me for not telling you sooner. That was my responsibility too. I should ask for prayers when I need them. Not just expect everyone to know what's going on in my head.
So, please forgive me if I've upset you . I felt like I needed to get it off of me before it smothered me and I'm sure at times that you have felt the same. I will be praying that this helps us draw closer together and we see things in a clearer way from now on.
Thank you to Crystal and Christine for your sweet & thoughtful comments. It made me feel so much better to know that I wasn't just talking to empty space, that someone was listening. You both had wonderful suggestions. Thanks so much.
Love and Prayers to all,
Julie
I, ME, MYSELF am also to blame. I have done my share of not visiting and not calling and not inviting others to do things with me and my family. I have tried a few times and it got to hard and it seemed like people were not as interested as I was so I stopped. This was my mistake. I should have kept trying and I should have went to more things that were planned.
I am not angry so much as I am depressed and sad. I feel very alone and things you feel are not always so easy to say. So, forgive me for not telling you sooner. That was my responsibility too. I should ask for prayers when I need them. Not just expect everyone to know what's going on in my head.
So, please forgive me if I've upset you . I felt like I needed to get it off of me before it smothered me and I'm sure at times that you have felt the same. I will be praying that this helps us draw closer together and we see things in a clearer way from now on.
Thank you to Crystal and Christine for your sweet & thoughtful comments. It made me feel so much better to know that I wasn't just talking to empty space, that someone was listening. You both had wonderful suggestions. Thanks so much.
Love and Prayers to all,
Julie
Friday, August 10, 2007
And Now...Two Cupcake Recipes, because you know when I'm in doubt, I always bake!
I am sharing two cupcake recipes for you because well, some people (right Paul?) do not like coconut but the same person loves Lemon Meringue Pie (right again?) So, here's two: Basically, one for Crystal and one for Paul since they are being so nice to me but hey, feel free to make them yourself!
Coconut Pecan Cupcakes (Italian Cream Cake Cupcakes)
5 eggs, seperated
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond or you can skip this if you don't have it and add a full tsp. vanilla
1 & `1/2 c. ap flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Frosting:
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond (again, you don't have to use this if you don't have it)
1 & 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
3/4 c. chopped pecans
Let eggs stand at room temp. for 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in extracts. Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat until combined.
In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Stir in coconut and pecans.
Fill paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes of until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Combine frosting ingredients; frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 dozen.
Lemon Curd Cupcakes
3 tbsp. plus 1 & 1/2 tsps. sugar
3 tbsps. lemon juice
4 & 1/2 tsps. butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
Batter:
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated lemon peel (Crystal, if you don't want to use peel, email me & I will tell you another way)
1 & 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 c. buttermilk
Frosting:
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla
pinch salt
2 cups confectioner's sugar
2 to 4 tbsp. milk
Yellow food coloring, optional
For lemon curd, in a heavy saucepan, cook and stir sugar, lemon juice, and butter until smooth. Stir a small amount into egg; return all to pan. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in lemon peel. Cool 10 minutes. Cover and chill for 1 & 1/2 hours or until thickened.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla and lemon peel. Combine flour, baking pwder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Fill paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack.
Cool completely.
Cut a small hole in the corner of a plastic bag; insert a small round pastry tip. Fill bag with lemon curd. Insert tip 1 inch into center of each cupcake; fill with curd just until tops of cupcakes begin to crack.
Combine frosting ingredients, tinting with food coloring if desired; frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 1 dozen cupcakes.
Coconut Pecan Cupcakes (Italian Cream Cake Cupcakes)
5 eggs, seperated
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond or you can skip this if you don't have it and add a full tsp. vanilla
1 & `1/2 c. ap flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Frosting:
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond (again, you don't have to use this if you don't have it)
1 & 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
3/4 c. chopped pecans
Let eggs stand at room temp. for 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in extracts. Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat until combined.
In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Stir in coconut and pecans.
Fill paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes of until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Combine frosting ingredients; frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 dozen.
Lemon Curd Cupcakes
3 tbsp. plus 1 & 1/2 tsps. sugar
3 tbsps. lemon juice
4 & 1/2 tsps. butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
Batter:
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated lemon peel (Crystal, if you don't want to use peel, email me & I will tell you another way)
1 & 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 c. buttermilk
Frosting:
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla
pinch salt
2 cups confectioner's sugar
2 to 4 tbsp. milk
Yellow food coloring, optional
For lemon curd, in a heavy saucepan, cook and stir sugar, lemon juice, and butter until smooth. Stir a small amount into egg; return all to pan. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in lemon peel. Cool 10 minutes. Cover and chill for 1 & 1/2 hours or until thickened.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla and lemon peel. Combine flour, baking pwder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Fill paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack.
Cool completely.
Cut a small hole in the corner of a plastic bag; insert a small round pastry tip. Fill bag with lemon curd. Insert tip 1 inch into center of each cupcake; fill with curd just until tops of cupcakes begin to crack.
Combine frosting ingredients, tinting with food coloring if desired; frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 1 dozen cupcakes.
Cheesy Chicken Supper (this is so easy!)
2 cups frozen broccoli, thawed
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can broccoli cheese soup
1/2 cup milk
pepper
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Hot cooked Rice
In large skillet, cook and stir the broccoli in oil for 2 minutes until crisp tender. Stir in the chicken, soup, milk and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce haet; cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until chicken is heatd through. Top with cheese. Remove from heat; cover and let cheese melt. Serve with rice. (taste really good if you add a little bit of butter to your rice!)
Love,
Julie
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can broccoli cheese soup
1/2 cup milk
pepper
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Hot cooked Rice
In large skillet, cook and stir the broccoli in oil for 2 minutes until crisp tender. Stir in the chicken, soup, milk and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce haet; cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until chicken is heatd through. Top with cheese. Remove from heat; cover and let cheese melt. Serve with rice. (taste really good if you add a little bit of butter to your rice!)
Love,
Julie
So, What's Wrong?
I have gotten this question a few times lately from a couple of people and I don't really know how to answer them. Mainly because I am not sure of what to say because there are quite a few things that I am struggling with and struggling is saying it lightly. I am struggling so bad that I have migraines, panic attacks and I am constantly sick to my stomach. I am on edge. I don't sleep well and yes, I probably need medication and therapy but I also think there is a much simpler solution.
I need friends. My husband needs friends. Yes, we have people we go to church with but we don't feel like they want us to be their friends. I am so sorry if this upsets anyone, I am not trying to hurt anybody just explain how I feel because I need someone to listen. I have cried over this so much. I am sure that some of it is us feeling this way but I feel like it is the truth and the truth hurts.
We are invited a lot by two or three couples in another church to do things with them. We are never invited to do anything with the people in our church. If you were lonely, struggling and depressed and felt like no one cared, what would you feel like doing? Sometimes we just want to go with them, where people take the time to listen to us and spend time with us. They LIKE us. You may think they are just trying to get us to go to church with them, maybe so, but we've known them for a long time and I doubt that is the case. I'm sure that they would like for us to, for our kids to all be there together and sometimes I think maybe that's what we should do.
I have never, once, in all of our struggles seen anyone come and pray with us. I have had two children. I don't want them to feel this terrible pain that I have felt for so long. And, it is taking a toll on them. Claire is nervous, she bites her nails and she is starting to pinch when she gets really frustrated.
I have tried to do things, to get people together to do things. It just doesn't seem that everyone wants their church family to be a main priority (us included). I know I have put other things before the people in our church and I know how easy it is. I am so sorry. People need to realize that jobs and money and things do not matter. It is the people that matter. People are hurting, their souls are sick, they are lost and depressed and we are no where around and THAT IS SO SAD.
I do not want to attend another church. I love a lot of things about our church and I realize that no church is perfect. As a matter of fact, I know someone who attends a church close by that is struggling so much as well and she feels that no one cares. I am going to see her tomorrow because I want her to know that I care and I don't want her to feel the terrible pain that I have been feeling.
I am crying while I type this because people just can't realize the truth. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT US. IT IS ABOUT REACHING OUT AND HELPING OTHERS. IT IS ABOUT THE HURT, THE ABANDONED, THE LOST, THE HUNGRY, THE COLD, THE SICK, THE SINNER (and YES, we are ALL sinners, even you!)
My husband has such a good heart. He struggles every day to stay above sin and sin abounds in the world. He needs your help, he needs your prayers, he needs encouragement, accountability (in love), he needs your phone calls and your visits and you doing things together as Christian men should. He wants your help, your love, your forgiveness. You should want his, too. Because we all wrong each other in life. Don't act like you are perfect. Don't hide your sins. We NEED to pray for you, we need to visit you, we need to know how to help you. Not to be nosy and gossip but because we love you.
Most of all, let's just remember to serve Christ and not ourselves. Christ commands us to serve others. Sometimes we spend all of our time focusing on all the other commandments and we forget the MAIN one.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS CHRIST LOVES YOU.
Christ died for us people, how strong is that love? Do you think that he would be sitting at home feeling wrapped up in his world and his problems and not reaching out to others who desperately need our love?
You know the answer to that one. It is written on the cross.
I love you all. I am sorry for the things I have said or done to hurt anyone and I am sorry that I don't get to know you. I know that this needs to change but I am weak and I need you to carry me sometimes and sometimes I will carry you. We have to take care of each other.
Okay, I am done. I can't type anymore because this has just exhausted me. So, it's out there, do with it what you will.
Love and Prayers,
Julie & Charlie
*edited: Reading over this, I realize that it sounds like I am saying that no one cares about us. I know that is not true. Our church family has done a lot for us. We are just struggling right now and we feel VERY alone. Please realize that this comes from a desperate person who is in a very tired frame of mind. Please take it in love because it was written that way. Thanks for reading my ramblings. Love to all of you. Julie
I need friends. My husband needs friends. Yes, we have people we go to church with but we don't feel like they want us to be their friends. I am so sorry if this upsets anyone, I am not trying to hurt anybody just explain how I feel because I need someone to listen. I have cried over this so much. I am sure that some of it is us feeling this way but I feel like it is the truth and the truth hurts.
We are invited a lot by two or three couples in another church to do things with them. We are never invited to do anything with the people in our church. If you were lonely, struggling and depressed and felt like no one cared, what would you feel like doing? Sometimes we just want to go with them, where people take the time to listen to us and spend time with us. They LIKE us. You may think they are just trying to get us to go to church with them, maybe so, but we've known them for a long time and I doubt that is the case. I'm sure that they would like for us to, for our kids to all be there together and sometimes I think maybe that's what we should do.
I have never, once, in all of our struggles seen anyone come and pray with us. I have had two children. I don't want them to feel this terrible pain that I have felt for so long. And, it is taking a toll on them. Claire is nervous, she bites her nails and she is starting to pinch when she gets really frustrated.
I have tried to do things, to get people together to do things. It just doesn't seem that everyone wants their church family to be a main priority (us included). I know I have put other things before the people in our church and I know how easy it is. I am so sorry. People need to realize that jobs and money and things do not matter. It is the people that matter. People are hurting, their souls are sick, they are lost and depressed and we are no where around and THAT IS SO SAD.
I do not want to attend another church. I love a lot of things about our church and I realize that no church is perfect. As a matter of fact, I know someone who attends a church close by that is struggling so much as well and she feels that no one cares. I am going to see her tomorrow because I want her to know that I care and I don't want her to feel the terrible pain that I have been feeling.
I am crying while I type this because people just can't realize the truth. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT US. IT IS ABOUT REACHING OUT AND HELPING OTHERS. IT IS ABOUT THE HURT, THE ABANDONED, THE LOST, THE HUNGRY, THE COLD, THE SICK, THE SINNER (and YES, we are ALL sinners, even you!)
My husband has such a good heart. He struggles every day to stay above sin and sin abounds in the world. He needs your help, he needs your prayers, he needs encouragement, accountability (in love), he needs your phone calls and your visits and you doing things together as Christian men should. He wants your help, your love, your forgiveness. You should want his, too. Because we all wrong each other in life. Don't act like you are perfect. Don't hide your sins. We NEED to pray for you, we need to visit you, we need to know how to help you. Not to be nosy and gossip but because we love you.
Most of all, let's just remember to serve Christ and not ourselves. Christ commands us to serve others. Sometimes we spend all of our time focusing on all the other commandments and we forget the MAIN one.
LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS CHRIST LOVES YOU.
Christ died for us people, how strong is that love? Do you think that he would be sitting at home feeling wrapped up in his world and his problems and not reaching out to others who desperately need our love?
You know the answer to that one. It is written on the cross.
I love you all. I am sorry for the things I have said or done to hurt anyone and I am sorry that I don't get to know you. I know that this needs to change but I am weak and I need you to carry me sometimes and sometimes I will carry you. We have to take care of each other.
Okay, I am done. I can't type anymore because this has just exhausted me. So, it's out there, do with it what you will.
Love and Prayers,
Julie & Charlie
*edited: Reading over this, I realize that it sounds like I am saying that no one cares about us. I know that is not true. Our church family has done a lot for us. We are just struggling right now and we feel VERY alone. Please realize that this comes from a desperate person who is in a very tired frame of mind. Please take it in love because it was written that way. Thanks for reading my ramblings. Love to all of you. Julie
Thursday, August 9, 2007
God's Been Good To ME........
So, I know I am posting a lot of songs on here lately but I LOVE MUSIC!!!! And, I feel like a lot of things that I don't know quite how to say are expressed so well in song. Amanda at http://mamasings.blogspot.com has been doing this music theme and I kinda got the idea from her. So, head on over and check out her stuff, too.
Anyway, Keith Urban is an awesome singer. I think he is pretty cute too but I think my husband is even hotter and no, I am not lusting after Keith, I just think the man has some cool, stylin' hair. To each his/her own, I guess, if you don't think so!
He has some unbelievably good songs. He sings from the heart. This song is one of my favorites on his cd, I can't remember the title of the cd and it's in my car....... it also has "makin memories of us" on it.....anyway,(can you tell it's 11:00 pm?) these are the words....
I look around and everything thing I have and everything I see,
is just another reminder,
that God's been good to me......
I love this and I needed to hear this today and pretty much all week..... When I am struggling, I listen to music and I let it soothe me and this has. Give it a listen and let it remind you that God's been good to you.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Anyway, Keith Urban is an awesome singer. I think he is pretty cute too but I think my husband is even hotter and no, I am not lusting after Keith, I just think the man has some cool, stylin' hair. To each his/her own, I guess, if you don't think so!
He has some unbelievably good songs. He sings from the heart. This song is one of my favorites on his cd, I can't remember the title of the cd and it's in my car....... it also has "makin memories of us" on it.....anyway,(can you tell it's 11:00 pm?) these are the words....
I look around and everything thing I have and everything I see,
is just another reminder,
that God's been good to me......
I love this and I needed to hear this today and pretty much all week..... When I am struggling, I listen to music and I let it soothe me and this has. Give it a listen and let it remind you that God's been good to you.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Some People Change
I bought my husband a new cd last night because we had a pretty rough day but that's something I don't know if I want to post about yet, anyway, the CD is by Montgomery Gentry (LOVE them).
My favorite song is "Some People Change" and oh, how true tis' is!
"against all odds,
against the grain,
don't give up hope,
SOME PEOPLE CHANGE."
I think all to often we are quick to write people off. That's so sad because we miss out on a lot of blessings by not knowing these people. Some of the best people I know, had all but given up because people thought bad of them because of mistakes they had made in their life. My thoughts on that? Who doesn't make mistakes? Get real.
Anyway, that's my rant for the day. Check this CD out if you haven't already. It's got some great music on it and I'm all for a gospel choir in a country song! I also love their CD with the song "My town" on it. Love that part about the Church of Christ.
Well, I will post more later. Thanks to everyone who is praying for me, keep praying. I feel it and I sure need it.
Love and ALL MY PRAYERS,
Julie
My favorite song is "Some People Change" and oh, how true tis' is!
"against all odds,
against the grain,
don't give up hope,
SOME PEOPLE CHANGE."
I think all to often we are quick to write people off. That's so sad because we miss out on a lot of blessings by not knowing these people. Some of the best people I know, had all but given up because people thought bad of them because of mistakes they had made in their life. My thoughts on that? Who doesn't make mistakes? Get real.
Anyway, that's my rant for the day. Check this CD out if you haven't already. It's got some great music on it and I'm all for a gospel choir in a country song! I also love their CD with the song "My town" on it. Love that part about the Church of Christ.
Well, I will post more later. Thanks to everyone who is praying for me, keep praying. I feel it and I sure need it.
Love and ALL MY PRAYERS,
Julie
Thankful Thursdays...
I don't really feel like doing this today but I haven't posted in a few days so I feel like I need to post something and maybe this will make me feel better so, here goes...
Things I am thankful for this Thursday:
*God, the Father & Jesus Christ, the Son
*the BIBLE (also, all the many translations)
*Antibiotics(again) My husband has a BAD respitory infection. It has spread into his lymph nodes.
* Ice, it is so stinkin' HOT here!
* My new car, I don't think I've ever mentioned it before but it is NICE!
* Baby grins & laughs
*Answered prayers (my husband, my girls, my life)
* Forever21 (cute, cheap stuff)
* GoJane.com (cute shoes and clothes, cheap)
* menus 4 moms (I'll say it again, most of their recipes are really good)
* Claire saying "Mama, Mama, hold me" when I get her up in the morning.
* Naps
* Porch swings
*Gardens
* Swimming Pools
* Water
* Convenient food (when some people have none at all)
*Nexus Shampoo & Conditioner (my hair is frizzy in humidity, which we live in pretty much all the time)
*Ice Cream (Plain Vanilla)
*Keyless Entries
*CD Players (I hate tapes)
* Well, this is enough! You are probably SO tired of reading this by now. Your turn. Tell me what you are thankful for. It makes you feel better anyways.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Things I am thankful for this Thursday:
*God, the Father & Jesus Christ, the Son
*the BIBLE (also, all the many translations)
*Antibiotics(again) My husband has a BAD respitory infection. It has spread into his lymph nodes.
* Ice, it is so stinkin' HOT here!
* My new car, I don't think I've ever mentioned it before but it is NICE!
* Baby grins & laughs
*Answered prayers (my husband, my girls, my life)
* Forever21 (cute, cheap stuff)
* GoJane.com (cute shoes and clothes, cheap)
* menus 4 moms (I'll say it again, most of their recipes are really good)
* Claire saying "Mama, Mama, hold me" when I get her up in the morning.
* Naps
* Porch swings
*Gardens
* Swimming Pools
* Water
* Convenient food (when some people have none at all)
*Nexus Shampoo & Conditioner (my hair is frizzy in humidity, which we live in pretty much all the time)
*Ice Cream (Plain Vanilla)
*Keyless Entries
*CD Players (I hate tapes)
* Well, this is enough! You are probably SO tired of reading this by now. Your turn. Tell me what you are thankful for. It makes you feel better anyways.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Monday, August 6, 2007
Talking about your struggles....
This has to be quick because Lily will be up soon, so I may have to finish it later. I read a blog this morning that really made me think. She was talking about how she was in spritual warfare and was trying to work and pray through it.
Now, I obviously don't think you should tell everyone everything that goes on in your life. I do see a lot lately where people will not talk to other christians, will not specifically ask for prayers in certain areas. We do not like to tell people what we are thinking, what we are doing, we just want to be left alone. A lot of times, I think it is good to be quiet and keep it between you and the Lord. We need to be quiet to hear him speak. But, sometimes you have to share your struggles, you need accountabiliy. At least, I know I do.
So, friends, it is not a weakness to ask for prayers and to specifically tell someone the things that are causing you to stumble. It is the smartest thing to do in most cases and the exact opposite of what Satan wants from you. He wants us to cover up our sins and our struggles. He laughs at us when we think.. "I can't ask them for prayers, I'm not telling everyone my business." He has us at THAT moment.
Yes, some things ARE private and some Christians are not always able to keep their mouth shut. People gossip, but the Lord knows. And I guarantee, there are people who will not say anything and they will pray like they've never prayed before for you. I try to be that way and I am learning more every day what God wants me to be. So, if you ever need prayers, let me know. I will pray for you as hard and as often as I can. Because I care.
And just so you know, if you read this blog, I am praying for you today. Have a GREAT day!
Love and PRAYERS,
Julie
Now, I obviously don't think you should tell everyone everything that goes on in your life. I do see a lot lately where people will not talk to other christians, will not specifically ask for prayers in certain areas. We do not like to tell people what we are thinking, what we are doing, we just want to be left alone. A lot of times, I think it is good to be quiet and keep it between you and the Lord. We need to be quiet to hear him speak. But, sometimes you have to share your struggles, you need accountabiliy. At least, I know I do.
So, friends, it is not a weakness to ask for prayers and to specifically tell someone the things that are causing you to stumble. It is the smartest thing to do in most cases and the exact opposite of what Satan wants from you. He wants us to cover up our sins and our struggles. He laughs at us when we think.. "I can't ask them for prayers, I'm not telling everyone my business." He has us at THAT moment.
Yes, some things ARE private and some Christians are not always able to keep their mouth shut. People gossip, but the Lord knows. And I guarantee, there are people who will not say anything and they will pray like they've never prayed before for you. I try to be that way and I am learning more every day what God wants me to be. So, if you ever need prayers, let me know. I will pray for you as hard and as often as I can. Because I care.
And just so you know, if you read this blog, I am praying for you today. Have a GREAT day!
Love and PRAYERS,
Julie
Things going round and round in my head.....
First of all, I want to apologize to my family members and any one else lately who I may have bitten their heads off! I am , as I mentioned earlier, very stressed out and depressed.
My older sister, Tammy and her two girls, Sarah & Rose came to visit me today and for that I am so grateful. Claire, Lily & I are about to start visiting others. Since I've had kids I've become quite a hermit. I am, as I mentioned in earlier posts, a real procrastinator and I hate that. I know I need to visit and I constantly put it off because I need to get something done or I/one of the kids doesn't feel good, etc..
We had a really nice visit and Jesse was even here to visit with us for a little bit. He probably doesn't know that I enjoy him coming to see me, but I do, so much. That kid, whoops!, Sorry Jess, that young man, doesn't know how much he means to his Aunt Julie. I don't want to embarass him, but he was my very first nephew or niece and I thought everything he did or said was Oh, so cute! It still is.(Most of the time)
Rose Sharon turned 6 on July 29th. Happy Late Birthday, Sweety! Claire really enjoys having them come over and play with her. I think I am going to take her tomorrow or the next day and let her go swimming in their pool. She will have a blast!
On another subject, ladies night needs to be planned for August and I think I will do it this next week. Anybody have any ideas on scrapbooking? And I think we could do church camp pictures. So, bring ALL of those. The good, the bad and the ugly! No one gets spared! haha. Anyway, please help me get a list of materials needed together, we will see what we have and what we need to come up with. Email me or call me and let me know. (By the way, I usually turn the ringer off when Lily is napping, but I will get our answering machine plugged back up, so leave a message, OK?)
Claire was so happy yesterday. Her Daddy was home ALL day! She wouldn't even take a nap and went to sleep,exhausted about 7:00 and slept until 9 this morning! We had a great day and I sat down this morning with my bible, notebook, babywise and toddlerwise books and prayed, read scriptures, made notes and created a new schedule for Claire since we are trying to do some preschool homeschool type things. I revised Lily's schedule since she is doing a few new things such as eating a little bit more, taking 1 & 1/2 hour naps (usually) ,outgrowing her bassinet, holding her head up while pushing up with her arms and talking so good (cooing, really, but hey, it's talking to me!) She is growing so much!
I had a really productive morning with my bible study and prayer and scheduling. I was much more relaxed and everything has ran so much more smoothly today. Also, because we have been going through some spiritual warfare in this house and I am finally seeing through it to the other side! The Lord is with us, He is our protector. I am claiming this today and from now on.
My husband is struggling a lot with dealing with things at work and just in the world in general. I have had to be his help meet and listen and pray for him and be the calm soothing refuge he can come home to. That is hard when you are going through all of your own struggles and then to add someone else's load too. Wow! But, I think of all that he does for me and I am speechless. How could I not carry his load? I love him. Deeply. Madly. Beyond explanation. He loves me. More than his life. I want him to come to me with his struggles, I also realize that there are some things that are hard for him to say to me and I love him for having the courage to tell me anyway and to ask for my help, for my prayers. I love you so much Baby. Thanks for a great weekend!
Charlie and I are getting Heartlight.org's emails. We have been for a while but we are just now paying close attention to them EVERY day and reading through them. It has helped us so much. Also, another great website is
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ and http://www.menofintegrity.org/ If you are struggling at all, these are a great help.
The kids are down for their two hour nap. That is how I am posting this, yes, I know. It is a blessing. But I know, at any time, things can go wrong and they can drop the nap time down dramatically or be fussy and not sleep. But, the scheduling helps ALOT.
Something occured to me this morning when I was picking up shoes ALL through the house, I was getting agitated, thinking "Why doesn't she pick up her things? I am getting so tired of constantly reminding her!" And, "Doesn't he think I do enough, now I have to pick up his shoes and his dirty socks and .... (you get the idea) Then, God spoke to me and I heard, "What if you didn't have these things to pick up because they were not here or you were not here and they were trying to get by without you?" My sister said something similar to me today when she came to visit. We were talking about my parents and when they lost my sister. It makes you appreciate what you have a little bit more when you STOP AND THINK instead of just griping.
Well, that was something serious to leave you with I guess. Thanks to everyone who reads these ramblings even though you don't comment. lol. It gives me something, some encouragement which I know ALL of us need. Love and Prayers to you all,
Julie
My older sister, Tammy and her two girls, Sarah & Rose came to visit me today and for that I am so grateful. Claire, Lily & I are about to start visiting others. Since I've had kids I've become quite a hermit. I am, as I mentioned in earlier posts, a real procrastinator and I hate that. I know I need to visit and I constantly put it off because I need to get something done or I/one of the kids doesn't feel good, etc..
We had a really nice visit and Jesse was even here to visit with us for a little bit. He probably doesn't know that I enjoy him coming to see me, but I do, so much. That kid, whoops!, Sorry Jess, that young man, doesn't know how much he means to his Aunt Julie. I don't want to embarass him, but he was my very first nephew or niece and I thought everything he did or said was Oh, so cute! It still is.(Most of the time)
Rose Sharon turned 6 on July 29th. Happy Late Birthday, Sweety! Claire really enjoys having them come over and play with her. I think I am going to take her tomorrow or the next day and let her go swimming in their pool. She will have a blast!
On another subject, ladies night needs to be planned for August and I think I will do it this next week. Anybody have any ideas on scrapbooking? And I think we could do church camp pictures. So, bring ALL of those. The good, the bad and the ugly! No one gets spared! haha. Anyway, please help me get a list of materials needed together, we will see what we have and what we need to come up with. Email me or call me and let me know. (By the way, I usually turn the ringer off when Lily is napping, but I will get our answering machine plugged back up, so leave a message, OK?)
Claire was so happy yesterday. Her Daddy was home ALL day! She wouldn't even take a nap and went to sleep,exhausted about 7:00 and slept until 9 this morning! We had a great day and I sat down this morning with my bible, notebook, babywise and toddlerwise books and prayed, read scriptures, made notes and created a new schedule for Claire since we are trying to do some preschool homeschool type things. I revised Lily's schedule since she is doing a few new things such as eating a little bit more, taking 1 & 1/2 hour naps (usually) ,outgrowing her bassinet, holding her head up while pushing up with her arms and talking so good (cooing, really, but hey, it's talking to me!) She is growing so much!
I had a really productive morning with my bible study and prayer and scheduling. I was much more relaxed and everything has ran so much more smoothly today. Also, because we have been going through some spiritual warfare in this house and I am finally seeing through it to the other side! The Lord is with us, He is our protector. I am claiming this today and from now on.
My husband is struggling a lot with dealing with things at work and just in the world in general. I have had to be his help meet and listen and pray for him and be the calm soothing refuge he can come home to. That is hard when you are going through all of your own struggles and then to add someone else's load too. Wow! But, I think of all that he does for me and I am speechless. How could I not carry his load? I love him. Deeply. Madly. Beyond explanation. He loves me. More than his life. I want him to come to me with his struggles, I also realize that there are some things that are hard for him to say to me and I love him for having the courage to tell me anyway and to ask for my help, for my prayers. I love you so much Baby. Thanks for a great weekend!
Charlie and I are getting Heartlight.org's emails. We have been for a while but we are just now paying close attention to them EVERY day and reading through them. It has helped us so much. Also, another great website is
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ and http://www.menofintegrity.org/ If you are struggling at all, these are a great help.
The kids are down for their two hour nap. That is how I am posting this, yes, I know. It is a blessing. But I know, at any time, things can go wrong and they can drop the nap time down dramatically or be fussy and not sleep. But, the scheduling helps ALOT.
Something occured to me this morning when I was picking up shoes ALL through the house, I was getting agitated, thinking "Why doesn't she pick up her things? I am getting so tired of constantly reminding her!" And, "Doesn't he think I do enough, now I have to pick up his shoes and his dirty socks and .... (you get the idea) Then, God spoke to me and I heard, "What if you didn't have these things to pick up because they were not here or you were not here and they were trying to get by without you?" My sister said something similar to me today when she came to visit. We were talking about my parents and when they lost my sister. It makes you appreciate what you have a little bit more when you STOP AND THINK instead of just griping.
Well, that was something serious to leave you with I guess. Thanks to everyone who reads these ramblings even though you don't comment. lol. It gives me something, some encouragement which I know ALL of us need. Love and Prayers to you all,
Julie
Sunday, August 5, 2007
And with this post, I have created Sunday Supper just for you........
Poppy Seed Cake
1/3 cup poppy seeds
1 cup milk
4 egg whites
3/4 cup shortening
1 & 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups ap flour
2 tsp baking powder
Frosting:
1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups confectioner's or as we call it "powdered" sugar
In a small bowl, soak poppy seeds in milk for 30 minutes. Place egg whites in a large mixing bowl; let stand at room temp for 30 minutes.
In another large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, sugar, and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with poppy seed mixture. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; flod into batter.
Pour into a greased 13x9 in baking dish. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in cofectioner's sugar. Spread over cake. Store in refrigerator. 12-15 servings.
*This is the perfect dessert to go with the chicken drumsticks! We also have mashed potatoes and asparagus or rice and asparagus. Either way is very good! Also, when we are not in the mood for potatoes or rice we sometimes have mashed cauliflower with butter. Yum Yum!
Have a great Sunday!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
1/3 cup poppy seeds
1 cup milk
4 egg whites
3/4 cup shortening
1 & 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups ap flour
2 tsp baking powder
Frosting:
1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups confectioner's or as we call it "powdered" sugar
In a small bowl, soak poppy seeds in milk for 30 minutes. Place egg whites in a large mixing bowl; let stand at room temp for 30 minutes.
In another large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, sugar, and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with poppy seed mixture. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; flod into batter.
Pour into a greased 13x9 in baking dish. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in cofectioner's sugar. Spread over cake. Store in refrigerator. 12-15 servings.
*This is the perfect dessert to go with the chicken drumsticks! We also have mashed potatoes and asparagus or rice and asparagus. Either way is very good! Also, when we are not in the mood for potatoes or rice we sometimes have mashed cauliflower with butter. Yum Yum!
Have a great Sunday!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Moist Drumsticks (Slow Cooker Recipe)
3 lbs. skinless chicken drumsticks
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp minced garlic
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Place chicken in slow cooker (at least 5 qt). In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken juices run clear.
Remove chicken and keep warm. Strain cooking juices. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir in juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with chicken. Makes 6 servings. (about 2 drumsticks each) we usually make more because we eat so much and we like to have leftovers!
Enjoy! (this is a really cheap meal!)
Julie
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp minced garlic
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Place chicken in slow cooker (at least 5 qt). In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken juices run clear.
Remove chicken and keep warm. Strain cooking juices. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir in juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with chicken. Makes 6 servings. (about 2 drumsticks each) we usually make more because we eat so much and we like to have leftovers!
Enjoy! (this is a really cheap meal!)
Julie
Cornflake Coating For Chicken
Keep a ziploc bag of this on hand for easy, quick suppers!
9 cups cornflakes, crushed
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. dried parsley flakes
2 tsp. rubbed sage
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. pepper
For each batch (4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves or 1 & 1/2 lb. chicken tenderloins)
In an airtight container, combine the first 8 ingredients. Store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield:8 batches
To prepare chicken: Place 1/2 cup coating in a shallow dish; coat chicken on both sides. Place in a greased 11 X7 X2 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear. yield: 4 servings
(Also great on Pork Chops!)
9 cups cornflakes, crushed
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. dried parsley flakes
2 tsp. rubbed sage
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. pepper
For each batch (4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves or 1 & 1/2 lb. chicken tenderloins)
In an airtight container, combine the first 8 ingredients. Store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield:8 batches
To prepare chicken: Place 1/2 cup coating in a shallow dish; coat chicken on both sides. Place in a greased 11 X7 X2 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until juices run clear. yield: 4 servings
(Also great on Pork Chops!)
Friday, August 3, 2007
Feeling Better Today...
I am feeling some better today. Charlie prayed with me last night and he promised to pray for me all day so that is what is causing the change, I am sure! It makes me feel so good when he prays for me.
Claire has been really good today. She is starting to show her anger a little bit more by grabbing a hold of me and screaming. I think that a lot of that is because I have been so stressed out lately. I am not the most calm person in the world. So, she is feeling my stress. But today was a good day so far. We got her another little blow up pool to play in and tonight we are going to grill burgers and let her swim around for awhile. It is 98 here and so stinkin' humid!! It feels like it's about 115. It will be 110 soon and then it will feel more like 120. Man, I hate August.
Lily is sleeping a little better. She got pretty cranky at night for a while there. She was so stopped up with allergies and could not breathe and she is starting to cut teeth. Claire did not cut teeth for a long time so this is a new experience. Claire was also not very cranky when she cut her teeth. Lily is miserable and she lets us know it!
Today I went through a bunch of papers and junk that was laying around and just tossed everything. I also cleaned out our desk and bought groceries for the whole week. There is a lot more to do but today I am feeling better so I am going to take advantage of it! Last night, I stayed up and fixed Charlie's lunch and got stuff ready for today (I had to turn some insurance paperwork in). This morning, I got up with him at 3:30 am . I didn't stay up very long, but at least I got up. I am going to try my best to make him breakfast in the morning at that ungodly hour. Yes, he has to work on Saturday. It's becoming a normal thing. We both hate that.
Well, I have got to go. Lily is up from her nap and I need to finish folding laundry and get it off of the couch!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Claire has been really good today. She is starting to show her anger a little bit more by grabbing a hold of me and screaming. I think that a lot of that is because I have been so stressed out lately. I am not the most calm person in the world. So, she is feeling my stress. But today was a good day so far. We got her another little blow up pool to play in and tonight we are going to grill burgers and let her swim around for awhile. It is 98 here and so stinkin' humid!! It feels like it's about 115. It will be 110 soon and then it will feel more like 120. Man, I hate August.
Lily is sleeping a little better. She got pretty cranky at night for a while there. She was so stopped up with allergies and could not breathe and she is starting to cut teeth. Claire did not cut teeth for a long time so this is a new experience. Claire was also not very cranky when she cut her teeth. Lily is miserable and she lets us know it!
Today I went through a bunch of papers and junk that was laying around and just tossed everything. I also cleaned out our desk and bought groceries for the whole week. There is a lot more to do but today I am feeling better so I am going to take advantage of it! Last night, I stayed up and fixed Charlie's lunch and got stuff ready for today (I had to turn some insurance paperwork in). This morning, I got up with him at 3:30 am . I didn't stay up very long, but at least I got up. I am going to try my best to make him breakfast in the morning at that ungodly hour. Yes, he has to work on Saturday. It's becoming a normal thing. We both hate that.
Well, I have got to go. Lily is up from her nap and I need to finish folding laundry and get it off of the couch!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Thankful Thursdays...
This is a new thing I am trying so if you want to join on your blog, go ahead...
Things I am thankful for this Thursday.....
Charlie, Claire & Lily
*my mom & my dad
*my wonderful sisters
*my church family
*Mitchell, Garett, Clayton, Jordan, Blake, Jesse, Michael, Jack, Jason,Casey, Amber,Sarah, Allison, Beth, Carissa, Ann Mary, Rose, Kylie, Alaina, Michayla, baby Micah
*herbal tea
*Pizza
*chocolate chip cookie dough
*cheesecake
*antibiotics
*funny doctors
*nice fat paychecks
*safety bonuses
*air conditioning
*dishwashers
*Dr. Pepper (which I can't have right now, UGH!)
*washable markers
*Parenting Books
*bouncy seats
*Children's worship & praise cd's
*Veggietales
*Jergen's & L'oreal Moisturizing & Self Tanning Lotion
*Celebrity baby blogs
*Cooking Blogs
*Pacifiers
*children's tylenol, motrin & benadryl!
*And, last but most certainly not least, PRAYER!!!!!!!!!!!
Things I am thankful for this Thursday.....
Charlie, Claire & Lily
*my mom & my dad
*my wonderful sisters
*my church family
*Mitchell, Garett, Clayton, Jordan, Blake, Jesse, Michael, Jack, Jason,Casey, Amber,Sarah, Allison, Beth, Carissa, Ann Mary, Rose, Kylie, Alaina, Michayla, baby Micah
*herbal tea
*Pizza
*chocolate chip cookie dough
*cheesecake
*antibiotics
*funny doctors
*nice fat paychecks
*safety bonuses
*air conditioning
*dishwashers
*Dr. Pepper (which I can't have right now, UGH!)
*washable markers
*Parenting Books
*bouncy seats
*Children's worship & praise cd's
*Veggietales
*Jergen's & L'oreal Moisturizing & Self Tanning Lotion
*Celebrity baby blogs
*Cooking Blogs
*Pacifiers
*children's tylenol, motrin & benadryl!
*And, last but most certainly not least, PRAYER!!!!!!!!!!!
And Now For Something Funny to lighten the moment.....
Yesterday, I went to the doctor to give a urine sample so I could get an antibiotic for this infection. The doctor comes out after I give the sample (love this doc, she has been with me through ALL of my pregnancy struggles) she says, "Julie, could you be pregnant?" Huh! I just about fell on the floor! I said, "No, I don't think so, I have been on the pill since Lily was four weeks old." Apparently, because my infection was so bad, she thought that I could be pregnant and needed to ask before she prescribed something or gave me a shot.
Anyway, if you know me and my history with suprise pregnancies, this will crack you up! (Lily was detected because I had a gallbladder/pancreatitis/liver infection). Claire was detected a week before my period was to even begin (at the same doctor's office)!
Well, some of you are probably clueless as to why this is so funny but anyway, it lightened my day.......
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Anyway, if you know me and my history with suprise pregnancies, this will crack you up! (Lily was detected because I had a gallbladder/pancreatitis/liver infection). Claire was detected a week before my period was to even begin (at the same doctor's office)!
Well, some of you are probably clueless as to why this is so funny but anyway, it lightened my day.......
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Anger.....
Well, today I made a decision, I am going to get counseling. I may have to take medication. I can't deal with all of the struggles I am having right now without someone to talk to because as of this moment, I am taking it out on my husband and my kids and my self.
I am angry. I am sick . I am tired. My husband used to tell his Mom " If you are sick and tired, why don't you go to bed?" If only that would solve everything. But I don't think counseling or a magic pill or a lot of rest is going to solve it all by itself. I believe that counseling will help me. It has helped me before. (Thanks Dan!) I believe that I may have to take antidepressants because depression runs in my family. I think I have a little postpartum thing going on too. So, it never hurts to be safe. I wish I could get lots of rest but with my husband fixing to start working 65 hour weeks (at least) and being a 2 hour drive from the shop (30 minutes from our house, so 2 & 1/2 hours away). I doubt I will be getting much rest or help with the kids.
I am angry about a lot of things going on right now but I want to deal with everything in the right way (God's way). I don't always deal with things in the right way. I say a lot of things that I later regret but I do try to make up for it and apologize when I do. I can't stand it when someone hurts you and lies about you and never apologizes and expects you to go on like nothing ever happened. That is not being a christian.
I am upset right now. I do not mean to upset anyone with my drama. But, it is my blog and if I can't write it here where people can learn from it and see that we are real and that we have problems, then what good is having this blog? Pain exists for a reason. We all go through things and in the end, God is glorified. I have to hang on to that, it's the only thing getting me through. That He loves me and that all of this pain will have a good ending somehow, maybe in Heaven, but it will end.
I just wish everyone could get along and we could work through our problems like Christians are supposed to without people getting angry and screaming and dragging the kids into it and acting like a jerk trying to fight each other. Boy, that's real Christian, ain't it?
Anyway, just wanted to clarify some things. I do truly love ALL (EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS). And I pray for you all of the time and will continue to do so. Let's pray for each other today, okay? I KNOW THAT WE ALL LOVE EACH OTHER MORE THAN LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
I am angry. I am sick . I am tired. My husband used to tell his Mom " If you are sick and tired, why don't you go to bed?" If only that would solve everything. But I don't think counseling or a magic pill or a lot of rest is going to solve it all by itself. I believe that counseling will help me. It has helped me before. (Thanks Dan!) I believe that I may have to take antidepressants because depression runs in my family. I think I have a little postpartum thing going on too. So, it never hurts to be safe. I wish I could get lots of rest but with my husband fixing to start working 65 hour weeks (at least) and being a 2 hour drive from the shop (30 minutes from our house, so 2 & 1/2 hours away). I doubt I will be getting much rest or help with the kids.
I am angry about a lot of things going on right now but I want to deal with everything in the right way (God's way). I don't always deal with things in the right way. I say a lot of things that I later regret but I do try to make up for it and apologize when I do. I can't stand it when someone hurts you and lies about you and never apologizes and expects you to go on like nothing ever happened. That is not being a christian.
I am upset right now. I do not mean to upset anyone with my drama. But, it is my blog and if I can't write it here where people can learn from it and see that we are real and that we have problems, then what good is having this blog? Pain exists for a reason. We all go through things and in the end, God is glorified. I have to hang on to that, it's the only thing getting me through. That He loves me and that all of this pain will have a good ending somehow, maybe in Heaven, but it will end.
I just wish everyone could get along and we could work through our problems like Christians are supposed to without people getting angry and screaming and dragging the kids into it and acting like a jerk trying to fight each other. Boy, that's real Christian, ain't it?
Anyway, just wanted to clarify some things. I do truly love ALL (EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS). And I pray for you all of the time and will continue to do so. Let's pray for each other today, okay? I KNOW THAT WE ALL LOVE EACH OTHER MORE THAN LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Daddy & Mama (Revised & Edited)
This is for my Dadddy and Mama who have been feeling pretty low lately over some things that have been going on. First of all, you are WONDERFUL parents. Seriously,. Everyone messes up in parenting, EVERYONE. No one is perfect. You have always did the best you knew how and that is pretty darn amazing!
Let me tell you about my parents because I don't feel that they get the good recognition they deserve. My parents have held me through ALL of my tough times. They may have been upset with me and yelled at me but they always stuck by me and if I needed my Daddy or my Mama to hold me they would and still do. I don't even have to ask, they just know.
My parents talked to me when I was a kid. They explained things to me. They emphasized to be kind to people no matter what. My parents NEVER made fun of ANYONE. I remember this man who lived close to us and he was a bad drunk who mixed his antidepressants with alchohol. My Daddy always helped him and talked to him. He went to visit with him and see if he needed anything. I remember when he burned his self up in his house, Daddy cried.
There was a man who lived not far from us who was crazy but my Dad knew him all of his life. He says that he was a good kid, he just got messed up on drugs. My Daddy never let us laugh at him. NEVER. If you laughed at anyone that was a good way to get a spanking. He took it that seriously.
I think that was one of the greatest things that I learned from my parents, was that you don't make fun of people. Everyone deserves kindness. There are some people in our family who tend to talk about people a lot. I always feel bad and don't know what to say. People can't help the way they are sometimes. But everyone could use kind words or a hug.
My Daddy, especially, hates GOSSIP. He will get very upset with us if we are talking about people or especially each other. He hates conflict.
My parents have had some hard things happen to them, to name a few, Daddy was sent to Vietnam for a year. I can't even begin to imagine that kind of hell. When my sister was four, she was killed in a car accident. That's an even worse kind of hell. They tried their best to carry on and raise us the best they could. Maybe they didn't do the greatest job but we knew that we were loved and I have a fierce loyalty to my parents that I wish more people had. We all do things that are wrong but we are supposed to have the heart to forgive each other.
Thank you Daddy & Mama for all the love you give us each and every day. Thank you for all of your sacrifices and your attention. Thank you for your emotional, spiritual and financial help. We love you so much.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Let me tell you about my parents because I don't feel that they get the good recognition they deserve. My parents have held me through ALL of my tough times. They may have been upset with me and yelled at me but they always stuck by me and if I needed my Daddy or my Mama to hold me they would and still do. I don't even have to ask, they just know.
My parents talked to me when I was a kid. They explained things to me. They emphasized to be kind to people no matter what. My parents NEVER made fun of ANYONE. I remember this man who lived close to us and he was a bad drunk who mixed his antidepressants with alchohol. My Daddy always helped him and talked to him. He went to visit with him and see if he needed anything. I remember when he burned his self up in his house, Daddy cried.
There was a man who lived not far from us who was crazy but my Dad knew him all of his life. He says that he was a good kid, he just got messed up on drugs. My Daddy never let us laugh at him. NEVER. If you laughed at anyone that was a good way to get a spanking. He took it that seriously.
I think that was one of the greatest things that I learned from my parents, was that you don't make fun of people. Everyone deserves kindness. There are some people in our family who tend to talk about people a lot. I always feel bad and don't know what to say. People can't help the way they are sometimes. But everyone could use kind words or a hug.
My Daddy, especially, hates GOSSIP. He will get very upset with us if we are talking about people or especially each other. He hates conflict.
My parents have had some hard things happen to them, to name a few, Daddy was sent to Vietnam for a year. I can't even begin to imagine that kind of hell. When my sister was four, she was killed in a car accident. That's an even worse kind of hell. They tried their best to carry on and raise us the best they could. Maybe they didn't do the greatest job but we knew that we were loved and I have a fierce loyalty to my parents that I wish more people had. We all do things that are wrong but we are supposed to have the heart to forgive each other.
Thank you Daddy & Mama for all the love you give us each and every day. Thank you for all of your sacrifices and your attention. Thank you for your emotional, spiritual and financial help. We love you so much.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
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